Nimona Review: Based on the graphic novel of the same name by ND Stevenson, the animated film is directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane. The screenplay is written by Robert L Baird and Llyod Taylor and has a runtime of about 1 hour and 42 minutes. The Netflix film follows the story of a wrongly framed Knight who meets a shapeshifting girl and uncovers the dark truth of his world.
The voice cast of the film includes Chloë Grace Moretz as Nimona, Riz Ahmed as Ballister Boldheart, Eugene Lee Yang as Ambrosius Goldenloin, Frances Conroy, Lorraine Toussaint, Beck Bennett, Indya Moore, RuPaul Charles, Julio Torres, Sarah Sherman and several others.
Nimona Review
The film starts with the story of a brave warrior named Gloreth who saved her people from a monster and was deemed a hero since then. She trained knights who would protect the kingdom from monsters and only their descendants were able to become knights as well. However, almost 1000 years later a common kid named Ballister was chosen to train and become a knight, as he possessed the heart of a hero since he was a kid. But when the life-changing moment comes, his sword mysteriously kills the Queen on the stage of his Knighting ceremony.
Not knowing what had happened, he becomes a public enemy and is jailed for a crime he didn’t commit. At his lowest point, Nimona, a shape-shifter who looks like a teenage girl comes to his rescue. Her only wish is to be his sidekick and wreak havoc on the world that has turned against them. The story brings up the subject – fear of the other.
Since people can’t figure out what exactly is Nimona and how she can change into a rhinoceros one minute & a whale in the other, she is branded as a monster that shouldn’t even exist. While trying to prove Ballister’s innocence, they both come to understand each other and show that they are not the actual monsters but anyone can become one, regardless. Amidst all, it is also a developing love story between Ballister and Ambrosius Goldenloin, a direct descendant of Gloreth.
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The film brings themes like Queer representation as the main lead is gay, and even Nimona in a sense is a non-conforming entity, which can become anything as pleased. The story also shows Nimona’s connection with Gloreth and their relationship mirrors Ballister’s relationship with Ambrosius. It’s like history repeating itself but depending on the kind of decision one makes, their future and relationship will be affected. Either it can end like Gloreth being the hero and Nimona a banished monster or something unexpected can come out of it, only if they are willing to listen and understand each other.
However, the film adaptation is quite toned down, making it suitable for kids essentially. The novel dealt with darker themes like the institute’s sinister plans to keep everyone in check and the brutal rules, which made Ballister lose his arm. That too by the hands of the one he loves. The film briefly mentions how Ambrosius cut off his hand while training and that Ballister had to prove himself various times, through life-endangering situations. But it would have given more depth to the character if there was a short montage of his struggles and how he got all the scars on his body & face.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it’s a good film considering how they mixed the medieval world with the modern technological world and were able to show the basic arc of each character. However, if you are familiar with the novels and how it unfold, it might seem toned down with many changes that cater to the new generation. Yet the film is entertaining and Nimona brings in the fun element. It has some valuable messages if you look closely, but never gets preachy about it and ofcourse the animation is commendable.
Rating: 4/5
Nimona is available for streaming on Netflix.
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