Breaking the Mold: Netflix’s “Damsel” Delivers an Exhilarating Spin on the Fairytale Genre 

By Naomi Fraser 

Netflix’s original film Damsel presents a fairytale like no other. Released in early March, the film follows a young princess named Elodie who accepts a marriage proposal from a wealthy kingdom to save her impoverished nation. Unbeknownst to Elodie, however, beneath the wealthy kingdom’s glistening facade lies a centuries-old debt that Elodie’s new family expects her to pay. Now trapped in the cave of a bloodthirsty dragon, Elodie must find a way to save herself and avenge the generations of women who came before. 

Though a bit skeptical coming into the film, I really enjoyed Damsel. An exciting, suspenseful, and unconventional take on the fairytale genre, the film pulls you in early and keeps you glued to your seat until the end. 

Netflix’s “Damsel”

Rating 5/5

One area in which Damsel particularly excels is its visual storytelling. As Elodie spends a significant amount of time trapped in a cave by herself, there are few opportunities for dialogue. Therefore, the film heavily relies on visuals to keep the story moving and bring the audience deeper into the world. For instance, as Elodie moves further into the cave, she discovers artifacts and scrawled messages from past victims that allow her, and us, to piece together the kingdom of Aurea’s dark history and construct an escape plan. Throughout the film, the writers continually find creative ways to tell a story without many words leading to a visually captivating experience that leaves audiences enthralled. 

In line with visual storytelling, Damsel’s filmmakers skillfully use set design to reinforce important themes within the story. The kingdom of Aurea’s design hints at the facade the royal family maintains. From the foreboding mountain range surrounding the majestic kingdom to the ominous dragon statues looming over the front gates of the sparkling palace, the film’s sets warn audiences of the horrors lurking beneath the surface. This effective use of set design allows for suspense and unease to arise. As Elodie gets situated in Aurea, the audience senses trouble on the horizon and waits with bated breath for something to finally blow.

The acting in Damsel also makes for a great watch. Millie Bobby Brown delivers a stellar performance as Elodie. Her talent shines through every scene, whether acting alone, alongside co-stars, or opposite a CGI dragon. While I admire many aspects of her performance, her ability to authentically portray a wide range of emotions stands out the most. From hate to love and despair to hope, Brown masterfully captures Elodie’s fluctuating and complex emotions, inviting the audience to experience them beside her. Despite the film’s fantasy backdrop, Brown ensures that Elodie feels real.

The chemistry between Elodie and Prince Henry (Nick Robinson) is another standout element from the film. As the couple bond over shared dreams and deepen their understanding of each other, we momentarily forget the warning that starts the film: “This is not a fairytale.” Though we know Prince Henry is too good to be true, the palpable chemistry between him and Elodie keeps us rooting for the pair regardless. This deceptive connection the actors and writers create intensifies the impact of Henry’s betrayal and solidifies the audience’s support of Elodie’s quest for revenge.

Damsel also excels in its clever subversion of classic fairy tale tropes. While some subversions, such as a princess saving herself, feel slightly overdone, others exhibit originality. A prime example is Damsel’s characterization of Elodie’s stepmother, Lady Bayford (Angela Bassett). When we first meet Lady Bayford, she fits the stereotypical role of the overbearing, vain, and money-obsessed stepmother. As the story unfolds, however, we discover a deeper, more nuanced character who genuinely cares for her stepchildren and is willing to protect them at any cost. In a genre that often pits older and younger women against one another, it was refreshing to see Elodie and Lady Bayford’s relationship develop beyond a trope and flourish into a loving dynamic. 

I highly recommend Damsel to any fantasy fan looking for something new. The film captivates from start to finish with its stunning visuals, stellar cast, and refreshing takes on tired tropes. If you are in the mood for damsels and dragons galore, hop over to Netflix and give Damsel a watch.