1. Plot Summary

Elodie (Millie Bobby Brown) comes from a poor region and accepts a marriage proposal from Prince Henry of the wealthy kingdom of Aurea, partly to help her family and people. However, she soon discovers the marriage was a ruse: the royal family plans to sacrifice her to a dragon as part of an ancient pact. After being thrown into a cavern filled with dangerous environments, creatures, and the dragon itself, Elodie must rely on her wits, courage, and resourcefulness to survive and escape. Throughout the journey, she faces betrayal, discovers secrets about the royal family, and must decide what kind of future she wants to fight for. Wikipedia+2Talking Films+2

2. Notable Elements

• Visuals & Setting: The landscapes, sets, and production design are strong points. Filming locations in Portugal (castles, monasteries, and rugged terrain) contribute to immersive world-building. Wikipedia+2Talking Films+2
• Dragon & Creature Effects: The dragon is given voice work by Shohreh Aghdashloo, which adds a layer of gravitas. While some CGI moments are less convincing, many creature & cave environment sequences are well done. Rotten Tomatoes+2Roger Ebert+2
• Costume & Symbolism: Elodie’s wardrobe evolves with the plot. Her wedding dress, initially ornate and restrictive, becomes a tool and symbol as she removes layers, using parts of it for movement or survival. This evolution adds thematic weight. Talking Films+2Wikipedia+2
• Performance of Millie Bobby Brown: She carries much of the film, especially in solo survival sequences, alternating between fear, resolve, and moments of emotional vulnerability. Her acting is seen as a highlight. Roger Ebert+2Rotten Tomatoes+2

3. Themes and Messages

• Subverting the “Damsel in Distress”: The film plays with classic fairy tale tropes. Although Elodie starts in a traditional setup (marriage, royalty, expected duty), she becomes her own rescuer, shifting from passive participant to the active agent of her fate. Roger Ebert+2Talking Films+2
• Power, Sacrifice, and Deception: The idea that a royal family makes sacrifices (even human) to maintain peace or appease supernatural forces is central. There’s deception in what Elodie is told and what’s hidden from her, which raises questions about trust and governance. Wikipedia+1
• Identity and Liberation: Elodie’s journey is not just physical survival but discovering her inner strength, shedding imposed roles (as bride, as sacrificial lamb) and defining herself through her actions.
• Relevance to Sentiments/Traditions: While Damsel is not directly about holidays or traditions, its themes echo stories of sacrifice, moral duty, and the courage of individuals in adversity—ideas that often resonate in cultural narratives, parables, or traditional storytelling, especially during times when people reflect on values like loyalty, resilience, and hope.
Advertisement

4. Personal Impressions

What worked well:

• The film is visually captivating; many scenes are beautifully composed. The cave sequences, with bioluminescent elements and rugged terrain, create tension and dread.
• Millie Bobby Brown gives a compelling performance. Her moments of vulnerability make Elodie relatable, and her strength later feels earned.
• The pacing is decent for much of the movie; the escape and survival portions are especially engaging.

What didn’t work as well:

• Some story beats are predictable; certain plot twists or character reveals feel telegraphed. Critics have noted a lack of novelty in the narrative. Talking Films+1
• Side characters are underdeveloped. Some characters serve primarily to further Elodie’s journey rather than existing as fully formed individuals.
• The last parts of the film (climactic sequences) are less strong—some dramatic moments are rushed, or resolved in ways that feel less satisfying.

5. Audience Recommendations

You might especially enjoy Damsel if you are:

• Fans of fantasy/adventure films who appreciate survival stories and strong female leads.
• Viewers who like fairy tale reboots or dark fantasy with mythic beasts like dragons.
• Someone who enjoys Netflix’s big-budget fantasy spectacles and doesn’t mind a few predictable tropes in exchange for emotional arcs, scenery, and spectacle.

It might be less satisfying if you prefer tight, twisty plots or deep character studies, or if you dislike CGI-heavy fantasy where logic is sometimes stretched for spectacle.

6. Conclusion & Rating

Damsel is a visually rich, emotionally earnest fantasy adventure that doesn’t completely escape its genre’s clichés—but it uses them with enough heart, style, and a strong lead performance to make the ride worthwhile. It subverts the fairy tale in ways that feel satisfying, especially in its portrayal of Elodie’s growth and resilience.

Final Recommendation: Worth watching—especially for fantasy lovers and for anyone who wants a fairy tale where the princess saves herself.

⭐️ Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

7. Trailer on YouTube