Review
Nimona (Animation, Adventure) (2023) [Based on Graphic Novel]
Director: Nick Bruno, Troy Quane
Writer: Robert L. Baird, Lloyd Taylor, Pamela Ribon, ND Stevenson (Based on Graphic Novel by)
Stars: Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang, Frances Conroy
On the day of his knighting, a futuristic warrior accidentally kills his queen. Forced into hiding, the disgraced knight meets a teenage outcast more than willing to abet non-existent sinister plans.
Led by former executives for the defunct Blue Sky Studios, this project serves as an introductory feature for a brand-new studio working off the progress made for a mostly complete feature. In saving "Nimona" from cancellation, it felt important for the new team to include and respect the majority of the work by Blue Sky. After some recasting and implemented changes in terms of vision, the film was eventually produced by Annapurna Pictures and Annapurna Animation while being distributed by Netflix.
In a magical kingdom, the tale of Gloreth still resonates with its inhabitants, a heroine slaying a great monster to ensure the safety of all within her kingdom, enclosing it with a massive wall—a thousand years later, a modernised version of this world persists. On the day of a grand ceremony, respecting old traditions, the knighting of its newest champions is the main spectacle. During the celebration a sword held by Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) provided for the ceremony malfunctions, with fatal consequences for the queen. Fleeing persecution, the former champion of the people has to live in exile. However, his brooding is interrupted by a mischievous teen called Nimona (Chloë Moretz Grace), insistent on becoming his sidekick, fuelled by mayhem and more than willing to assist with any maligned plans.
Bringing life to ND Stevenson's comic in cinematic form, Annapurna Studios, with Bruno and Quane directing, unveils a unique blend of science fiction and medieval themes, seemingly taking inspiration from London. This exuberant showing feels like a welcome addition with youthful charm for Netflix. 
Embracing a unique and spirited approach with themes of acceptance for what I'd assume to be a Gen-Z or even Gen-Alpha audience. The narrative, which is unveiled, retains much simplicity in re-telling a tale as old as time with a hyperbolic pace. While the shapeshifting factor feels coincidentally familiar as it is through fantasy stories, obvious comparisons are drawn with Pixar's "Turning Red" despite a more straightforward identity. Our titular character also presents quite differently, not shackled by generational pressures as much, or at least in a different sense—at the same time, Nimona serves more-so as a supporting character for Ahmed's Ballister. Our adventure unfolds rapidly, interpersonal wrinkles providing an anchor in a whirlwind of excitement.
Nearabout trapped within the lore created for it, echoing familiar fiction "Nimona" finds itself in a corner while feeling a certain disconnect being aware that a 30-something CIS-gender white guy isn't the target audience for this LGBTQ+ positive adaptation; it's simply limiting itself in all facets. What isn't felt is most nuance in minor instances; as the plot spins an endless yarn of colour and artistic expression. Once the message gets across, it's a double-edged sword. Both characters seek forgiveness in a way, desperately craving to be understood by someone, anyone, yet the figurative pond is too shallow to provide long-term fertility.
Luckily, despite its cut and dried clichés, it picks some positives from other animations and provides a positive experience in this field for Netflix's catalogue. Comparisons I'd draw like Domee Shi's "Turning Red" through themes and similarities and "Luca" which took a while to grow on me. It's unfortunate to see this film end up a hyper-active circus of fluff covered by theatrics, unable to dodge the same pitfalls as "Rumble", being charming yet superficial.
Verdict
A transformative film.
7,0
