Netflix's 'Damsel': Is Millie Bobby Brown's Fierce Heroine Enough?

The internet was abuzz when Netflix unveiled the trailer for Damsel, starring Stranger Things sensation Millie Bobby Brown. With its intense medieval setting and promise of a princess-turned-dragon-slayer, many viewers were quick to draw comparisons to the epic scope of Game of Thrones. This immediate parallel sparked a crucial question: would Damsel carve its own unique path in the fantasy landscape, or would it simply ride the coattails of established successes, offering familiar thrills in a new wrapper?

Released globally on Netflix on March 8, 2024, Damsel introduces us to Princess Elodie (Millie Bobby Brown), a dutiful young woman who agrees to an arranged marriage with Prince Harry (Nick Robinson) to benefit her impoverished kingdom. However, this seemingly idyllic union quickly unravels. Elodie soon discovers the royal family's sinister secret: she is not a bride, but a sacrifice, destined to be thrown into a cave to appease a fire-breathing dragon as part of an ancient ritual to repay a debt. This betrayal ignites a grueling fight for survival, forcing Elodie to rely solely on her wits and resilience inside a treacherous, monster-filled cavern.

A New Kind of Fairy Tale?

Damsel, directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo with a screenplay by Dan Mazeau, clearly aims to subvert classic fairy tale tropes. Elodie is depicted as a self-reliant hero who doesn't need a prince to save her, reinforcing the idea that women are responsible for their own destinies. Millie Bobby Brown's portrayal of Elodie has been widely praised, with director Fresnadillo commending her commitment to conveying suffering and transformation. As many have noted, Brown carries the film with her strong performance, bringing to life a determined heroine who learns to prioritize herself through sheer instinct and intelligence.

While the film delivers on its promise of an unconventional narrative, it does present some peculiar choices. The visuals are striking, even within the dark confines of the dragon's lair, but Elodie's rapid progression through obstacles sometimes feels a little too convenient. Furthermore, the decision to have the dragon speak might initially come across as somewhat comical, though it ultimately proves necessary for the story's progression. Despite its attempts at originality, some critics have pointed out that the plot can feel predictable, especially when compared to similar contemporary takes on the genre like The Princess starring Joey King. While Damsel makes a strong statement about female empowerment, it ultimately leaves us wondering if it fully capitalizes on its intriguing premise or if some of its subversive elements are overshadowed by familiar narrative beats and a somewhat rushed conclusion.