Netflix’s upcoming fantasy film Damsel (2024) promises to turn the classic “damsel in distress” narrative on its head. Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, the movie features Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown in the lead role, playing Elodie, a young woman forced to fight for her survival in a mystical, danger-filled world.

Plot and Setting

The trailer opens with breathtaking visuals of a magical kingdom tucked away in mountainous landscapes, with towering castles and expansive forests. The imagery is lush and captivating, setting the stage for an enchanting yet perilous world. Elodie (Brown) is introduced as a young woman, seemingly destined for a life of royalty as she is betrothed to a distant prince. With an ethereal voiceover stating, “Once upon a time, the tale of a damsel was simple… until she chose to rewrite it,” the audience quickly realizes that this is no ordinary fairy tale.

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A Dark Twist

What begins as a familiar narrative of a wedding quickly takes a dark turn. Elodie is betrayed and thrown into a cavernous pit as a sacrifice to a dragon, shattering the illusion of her fairy-tale ending. This moment becomes the turning point, where Elodie sheds her role as a passive victim and decides to take control of her fate. Faced with the menacing creature and dangerous surroundings, she refuses to accept her demise.

Elodie’s Transformation: From Bride to Warrior

As the trailer progresses, we witness Elodie’s evolution from a helpless “damsel” into a fierce warrior. Millie Bobby Brown’s performance is striking as her character embarks on a harrowing journey through treacherous underground caves, facing not only the monstrous dragon but also deadly traps, hazardous terrain, and merciless warriors who seek to keep her imprisoned. Her resourcefulness and determination drive the narrative forward, as she learns to fight back using both her wits and physical strength. Elodie wields a sword with growing confidence, determined to break free from the chains of her predicament.

Subverting the Fairy Tale Genre

Damsel plays with familiar fairy tale themes while offering a fresh perspective. By flipping the trope of the “damsel in distress,” the film focuses on self-empowerment, bravery, and resilience. Elodie’s journey is a clear departure from traditional princess narratives, where the female protagonist is often saved by a prince or male hero. In this story, Elodie is her own savior, making her a modern-day fairy tale heroine who refuses to be defined by the limitations imposed upon her.

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A Powerful Performance by Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown, already known for her strong and empowering roles in Stranger Things and Enola Holmes, once again demonstrates her versatility as an actress. In Damsel, Brown fully embodies the role of a young woman facing insurmountable odds, showcasing both vulnerability and strength. Her portrayal of Elodie is expected to resonate with audiences who are looking for more empowering female characters in fantasy cinema.

A Visual Feast with Mythical Creatures

Visually, Damsel promises to be a spectacle. The trailer teases a world brimming with mythical creatures, stunning landscapes, and epic battles. The dragon, a central figure in the story, is depicted as both terrifying and majestic, adding to the tension and excitement of Elodie’s perilous journey.

Final Thoughts

Damsel is shaping up to be a thrilling and empowering adventure that challenges the conventions of fairy tales. With a talented director like Juan Carlos Fresnadillo at the helm and Millie Bobby Brown in a transformative role, the film has the potential to become one of Netflix’s standout fantasy offerings in 2024. Audiences can expect a gripping tale of courage, survival, and self-discovery as Elodie rewrites her story and redefines what it means to be a “damsel.”