Netflix’s Damsel: A Dark Twist on Princess Tales

Millie Bobby Brown‘s latest venture, Damsel, takes a dark turn on traditional princess tales as it premieres on Netflix, offering viewers a unique and thrilling fantasy experience.

Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, the film stars Brown as Elodie, a princess from a destitute kingdom forced into a marriage with a wealthy prince to aid her people.

Things take a sinister turn when Elodie discovers her royal in-laws’ plans to sacrifice her to appease an ancient debt, leading her to face a fire-breathing dragon in a fight for survival.

Speaking about her role, Brown highlights the subversion of the typical damsel in distress trope, stating that Elodie is a character who takes charge of her own fate rather than relying on a prince to save her.

Notable cast members alongside Brown include Angela Bassett, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Ray Winstone, Nick Robinson, and Brooke Carter, each contributing to the film’s star-studded ensemble.

In a candid interview, Wright, who portrays Queen Isabelle, the film’s antagonist, shared the intricacies of playing a layered villain driven by tradition and duty.

Fresnadillo expressed his admiration for Mazeau’s script, praising its ability to turn a classic princess and dragon tale on its head, focusing on Elodie’s journey towards independence and empowerment.

The film’s gripping conclusion sees Elodie outwitting the dragon and confronting the royal family, ultimately reclaiming her agency and paving the way for a new beginning with her family.