Nimona – A Resonate Animated Feature (Early Review)

Based on the 2015 graphic novel of the same name by ND Stevenson, Nimona was a film that almost never came to life. A victim of the shutdown of the now defunct Blue Sky Studios in early 2021, the film was saved by Annapurna Pictures and Netflix a year later and completed by DNEG Animation (source). Suffice it to say that this risk paid off as the film is simply sensational. Boasting stunning animation and an impactful message that is sure to resonate with all audiences, it is a feat to behold. A roller coaster of emotions, the story may seem simple on the surface though over the course of the film, they will see that there is so more there as they will find themselves laughing as much as crying. If anything, it is a testament to its strong writing striking the right balance between different themes and tones. When it comes to animated children’s films, after watching so many of them, the themes may be familiar but where it thrives is within its execution. Nimona herself is such a blast to as Chloë Grace Moretz delivers one of her best performances in bringing the character to life. With Riz Ahmed, the two make for a fun dynamic.

Nimona takes place in a futuristic medieval kingdom where its sheltered residents have been raised on the notion to fear the monsters living outside of their walls, essentially serving as an analog for the unknown. Meanwhile, residents were also raised on the aspirational notion that they can grow up to be heroic knights who will protect the kingdom from said monsters but that position was more likely granted to those of higher status as everyone else instead worshipped them. Ballister Boldheart (Ahmed) worked hard and rose up through the ranks to achieve his dream and become a knight, in spite of his lower status. However, that dream would be cut short after being framed for a murder he didn’t commit. Fortunately (or unfortunately) for him, his potential saving grace was a rowdy shapeshifting teen named Nimona (Moretz). Two people who couldn’t be anymore different, Boldheart was solely focused on clearing his name while the sole intent of Nimona was chaos and destruction. Conflicting ideologies for sure, seeing that contrast play out on screen was hilarious because of her unhinged, youthful energy.

The constant push and pull dynamic as Boldheart looked to reign in Nimona’s energy was a highlight as their relationship continued to blossom over the course of the film. More so than a murder mystery, the heart of the story was the arc of that relationship. Trained to destroy creatures like Nimona, that line between good and evil or friend or foe became increasingly blurred as he discovered her humanity. But that evolution went both ways in what was a mind-opening experience for each of them. In the end, the root of the murder mystery was also connected to Nimona’s tragic backstory. Beneath her reckless behavior and destructive personality was some real pain that helped make her into what she was though within that pain was cause for hope. If Boldheart could change, maybe others could too. However, the forces that be who’ve held control of the kingdom and its people for so long had a vested interested in keeping things they way they were at all costs. Ultimately, good wins out.

As mentioned, the animation is stunning. Vibrant, colorful, and full of details, the considerable work done to bring the film’s world and character to life was beautiful. In particular, the inventive work to bring Nimona’s fast-paced shapeshifting ability to life and interacting with the film’s various environments was another highlight. While the writing and animation brought plenty of emotion, the score was a nice touch. That being said, Nimona would not have worked if not for the performances of Moretz and Ahmed. Moretz seemed to be having a blast and absolutely let loose as Nimona but also gave her a vulnerable side as the story dove deeper into the character. Ahmed had an equally satisfying arc as Boldheart took an opposite trajectory, giving the knight a real sense of strength and gravitas and then some vulnerability as he systematically broke down those walls he had created.

At the end of the day, Nimona was a surprise, adapting a property that may not be commonly known by audiences. Impressive animation is one thing but what it does with its story and characters are even more impressive. It is a film that should not be missed.

still courtesy of Netflix

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.