‘Nimona’ review: A ripper, bonzer queer fantasy romp

Nimona: From Page to Screen, a Spectacular Journey

Netflix’s animated film Nimona has garnered attention not only for its captivating storytelling and unique animation style but also for its remarkable journey from page to screen. Based on the graphic novel by ND Stevenson, Nimona initially faced an uncertain fate when Fox’s Blue Sky Studios, the original production studio, was shut down by Disney in 2021. However, the team behind Nimona refused to let the project die. Just one year later, Annapurna Pictures and Netflix stepped in to revive the film. Now, Stevenson’s tale of a mischievous shapeshifter and a rogue knight has finally made its way to the screen — and it was certainly worth the wait.

An Extraordinary Blend of Fantasy and Themes of Acceptance

Nimona transports us to a visually stunning futuristic medieval world where the shapeshifter Nimona, voiced by Chloë Grace Moretz, wreaks havoc and captures our hearts in the process. The film not only dazzles with its unique animation style but also delves into thought-provoking themes of individuality, identity, and acceptance that resonate deeply with the queer community. In a time when LGBTQ rights and spaces are continually under threat from bigoted legislation, Nimona establishes itself not only as a fantastic fantasy film but also as an essential one.

The Plot: A Tale of Misfits and Unlikely Partnerships

Nimona immerses us in the story of Sir Ballister Boldheart, voiced by Riz Ahmed, the first commoner in the kingdom’s history to become a knight. Falsely accused of a crime, Ballister goes into hiding from the Institute’s forces, including his former romantic partner Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin, voiced by Eugene Lee Yang. Enter Nimona, a spirited and vibrant shapeshifter who offers her services as Ballister’s sidekick. Their ensuing partnership is an adventurous and unconventional pairing, as Ballister aims to clear his name while Nimona revels in causing chaos. Disagreements over matters of morality and destruction arise, leading them to discover common ground as outsiders and work together to expose the true evil lurking in the kingdom.

A Departure from the Graphic Novel but True to its Core

Although Nimona takes liberties with the plot of Stevenson’s original graphic novel, the film maintains the essence of the characters and their relationships. The dark and homicidal nature of Nimona‘s character in the comic is toned down significantly, but the camaraderie and shared purpose between Nimona and Ballister remain intact. Their bond arises from their shared status as outsiders and their determination to challenge the oppressive regime governing their world. Nimona‘s departure from the graphic novel’s art style is also worth noting. The film combines 3D animation with illustrative 2D stylings, creating a distinctive visual experience and showcasing the versatility of animation as a medium.

Astonishing Animation and Sensational Action Sequences

Nimona‘s animation style and action sequences are nothing short of extraordinary. The film presents phenomenal and exhilarating action sequences, such as jailbreaks and battles, highlighting Nimona‘s impressive shapeshifting abilities. As she effortlessly transforms from one form to another, the fluidity and energy of her movements keep viewers on their toes, always anticipating what comes next. The film’s blending of medieval aesthetics with futuristic technology adds to its unique appeal. Laser crossbows, glowing swords, and knights on hoverbikes bring an exciting edge to the fight scenes. Furthermore, the detailed world-building, featuring flying cars and holographic advertisements, lends a sense of realism and depth to Nimona‘s universe.

A Queer Narrative with Powerful Themes of Acceptance

Nimona‘s significance lies not only in its revival and journey to the screen but also in its explicit queer representation and exploration of themes relevant to the LGBTQ community. The film fearlessly portrays the relationship between Ballister and Ambrosius at the heart of the story. Additionally, Nimona features the voices of LGBTQ actors such as Eugene Lee Yang, Indya Moore, Julio Torres, and RuPaul, further amplifying its inclusive narrative. Nimona herself serves as a powerful symbol of self-acceptance and defiance against societal norms. She challenges the Institute’s narrow-mindedness, insisting on embracing her unique abilities instead of conforming to expectations. While the film does not explicitly discuss transness and gender nonconformity, Nimona‘s ability to shape-shift freely carries clear trans allegories. Stevenson, the original graphic novel’s author, has even publicly discussed his own trans identity since publishing Nimona.

A Balanced Approach to Weighty Themes

Despite grappling with intense themes such as self-harm and suicidal ideation, particularly impacting LGBTQ youth, Nimona navigates these subjects with sensitivity and compassion. The film treats Ballister’s journey of understanding and accepting Nimona‘s true self with care, demonstrating the power of empathy and respect. Nimona‘s message embraces the celebration of individuality and acceptance while maintaining a healthy dose of absurdity and humor. The film manages to strike a delicate balance, leaving viewers both entertained and deeply moved.

A Must-Watch Film with Multifaceted Appeal

Nimona is a bold, rebellious, and heartfelt film that stands apart with its remarkable storytelling, stunning animation, and immersive world-building. Its essential themes of acceptance and individuality resonate with a wide audience, particularly the LGBTQ community. By daringly embracing queer representation and exploring important issues facing marginalized individuals, Nimona offers a beacon of hope and inclusivity. Available for streaming on Netflix, Nimona is an absolute must-watch that leaves a lasting impact.