What’s It About
A dutiful damsel agrees to marry a handsome prince, only to find the royal family has recruited her as a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt. Thrown into a cave with a fire-breathing dragon, she must rely on her wits and will to survive.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
Elodie and her sister Floria are struggling big time in a snowy, far-off place. They’re so broke they’re selling their castle curtains for food. Out of the blue, a messenger shows up with a chance for Elodie to marry a prince, promising a fat dowry to fix their financial mess. Even though Elodie isn’t thrilled about getting hitched for cash, she’s down to do it for her people’s sake. It’s like walking into a dream when they arrive at the prince’s kingdom. Prince Henry is all charm, and their place is the definition of fancy. But Elodie’s stepmom, Lady Bayford, feels like something’s off, and she is right. After the wedding, instead of a honeymoon, Elodie discovers she’s supposed to be dragon food—part of a super old deal to keep the dragon from attacking the kingdom. Elodie isn’t about to give up, though. The cave turns into her action-packed arena, and she’s dodging death left and right. With a bit of quick thinking, she turns her wedding dress into survival gear and faces off with the dragon. Unlike the damsels in old stories, Elodie doesn’t wait to be saved. She’s out there, making plans and taking names. The story has its moments, like when Elodie discovers a secret message from past princesses who didn’t make it, showing that even in the darkest times, there’s hope and help. It’s got some real movie magic with epic battles, stunning settings, and a badass princess ready to rewrite the rulebook on what it means to be a damsel. There are some parts that feel too neat as if they’re spoon-feeding the info to the younger, less patient audience. But at its heart, Damsel is about flipping the script. It’s not just another fairy tale. It’s a shout-out to anyone tired of waiting for a hero and ready to take on their dragons. Plus, it’s got that mix of scary and cool that keeps you glued to the screen, even if you’re watching from your couch. Bottom line: Elodie’s journey from a distressed royal to a warrior with a cause is a fresh take on the princess gig. With monsters, mysteries, and a bit of sisterly love, Damsel proves that saving yourself might be the most incredible adventure.
OUR RATING – A REVISED TALE 7