In the heart of a futuristic fantasy kingdom, “Nimona” takes us on an animated adventure featuring a formidable teenage girl with shape-shifting abilities and a disgraced knight-in-training accused of regicide. This vibrant and irreverent tale breathes new life into a familiar narrative, where ancient rules and a deep-rooted fear of outsiders govern society, reminiscent of recent Netflix animations like “The Sea Beast.”
What sets “Nimona” apart is its fresh and exciting presentation. Accompanied by an exhilarating soundtrack featuring the talents of Metric, Dope Saint Jude, and Judas Priest, the film fearlessly embraces LGBTQ+ themes that are thoughtfully woven into the storyline. The charismatic voices of Chloë Grace Moretz and Riz Ahmed bring the lead characters to life, supported by a colorful cast that includes the unforgettable Ambrosius Goldenloin—voiced by Eugene Lee Yang of The Try Guys—sporting swooped blond hair.
The journey of bringing “Nimona” to audiences has been nothing short of epic. ND Stevenson’s beloved graphic novel entered development in 2015 under Blue Sky Studios but later became part of Disney’s portfolio after the Fox acquisition in 2019. Despite numerous challenges and changes in leadership, the project persevered. However, in 2021, just as the film neared 75% completion, Disney announced the closure of Blue Sky Studios, effectively shelving “Nimona.” Reports indicated that Disney’s concerns, including an economic downturn due to the pandemic, were compounded by their discomfort with a same-gender kiss featured in the film. Fortunately, Annapurna and Netflix came to the rescue, enlisting new directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, who steered “Nimona” across the finish line, albeit without the controversial kiss.
Nimona, voiced by Chloë Grace Moretz, embodies chaos and revels in her radical nature. When she witnesses the devastating downfall of a fellow outsider, she instinctively realizes the potential for a remarkable collaboration. This outsider is none other than Ballister Boldheart, portrayed by Riz Ahmed, a street kid who dared to dream of becoming a knight. However, the position of knighthood has long been exclusive to individuals of a specific social class or those with lineage tracing back to the revered warrior Gloreth, who saved the kingdom from a monstrous threat a millennium ago. Against all odds and amidst prevailing prejudices, Ballister defied expectations and climbed the ranks, coming remarkably close to achieving his dream.
During the grand televised event known as “Night to Knight Knights,” a spectacular spectacle blending the futuristic extravagance of a Super Bowl halftime show with the dystopian aesthetics of “Blade Runner” and “The Hunger Games,” the public remains unconvinced about Ballister. They scoff at his worthiness and doubt his ability to protect them. The only ones who stand by him are his boyfriend, Ambrosius Goldenloin, as mentioned before, and the queen herself. However, the ceremony takes a disastrous turn when the sword presented to Ballister inadvertently causes the death of his most prominent supporter, the queen, in front of a shocked audience. From that moment on, no one offers him the benefit of the doubt. He becomes branded as the queen killer, and his guilt is presumed.
Initially reluctant to join forces with Nimona, Ballister sees her as an unlikely path to redemption. He yearns to prove his innocence, while Nimona’s unconventional nature doesn’t seem like the ideal gateway back into society. However, her remarkable shape-shifting abilities, allowing her to transform into anyone or anything, and her ability to effortlessly defeat multiple adversaries, make her a valuable ally. Moreover, she brings much-needed excitement and joy, in stark contrast to the narrow-minded individuals and rigid leaders at the Institute. It is worth noting that Chloë Grace Moretz’s exceptional voice acting infuses Nimona with authenticity and punk energy. Along the journey towards resolution, unexpected twists and turns arise, creating an experience best enjoyed firsthand.
Although the release of “Nimona” coincides with Pride, it aligns with a time when LGBTQ+ rights are once again under threat. While the film may not push boundaries beyond recent animated works that depict same-sex relationships more explicitly, it represents another small step in the right direction. Such progress is further enhanced when the movie itself is of high quality.
While Netflix may not have been involved from the project’s inception, it emerges as the victor by ensuring its eventual release.
“Nimona,” a Netflix film, receives a limited release on Friday and will be available for streaming on June 30. It is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for its blend of violence, action, rude humor, thematic elements, and some language. The film has a runtime of 101 minutes and receives a rating of three out of four stars.
