Damsel review: Millie Bobby Brown elevates tone-confused fantasy

Well no, because the prince’s mother is up to no good. Played by Robin Wright – the ice she maintained so well in House Of Cards is on full display – Queen Isabella actually intends to sacrifice Elodie to a dragon who lives in a nearby mountain. Thanks to a centuries-old pact, this will appease his anger and keep the kingdom safe.

So the unsuspecting Elodie, newly married and completely unaware of her fate, is suddenly thrown into a pit for the scaly beast. A cat-and-mouse chase through an underground cave system begins, with fiery death almost certain.

The screenplay, written by Wrath Of The Titans’ Dan Mazeau, doesn’t always hold together. Some moments are inspired: a flock of burning birds, for example, lit on fire by the dragon and sent fluttering towards Élodie as a sign of her arrival. Or a ceiling of rapidly melting icicles as the flaming monster approaches. The way the film‘s colorful, fairy-tale first act slowly descends into horror is compelling.

More like this

But there are also missteps. Characters with chic cut-glass British accents say things like, “I really, really like him!” » Much of the film‘s CGI looks like a video game. The biggest problem, however, is that it’s never difficult to predict what’s going to happen next. The film seems to be aimed at a younger audience who may not be very familiar with its tired tropes, but at the same time the violence and gore aren’t really for them. On the other hand, there is no enough violence and gore to attract an older audience. Tonally, it’s as confusing as Elodie’s budding marriage.

Fortunately, rescue is at hand thanks to Brown, who is, as always, completely watchable. Having more than cemented her status as a leading lady in the Enola Holmes films, it’s refreshing to see her unleash her inner Ellen Ripley to fight her own alien.

As she climbs, falls and crawls away from her tormentor, her guttural screams sell the pain of her wounds – and her fury – as well as that of any ’80s male action hero. You know that you’re in for a treat when his scowl finally appears: so perfectly forged on the unlucky Eleven from Stranger Things, it’s deployed to great effect here. Watch out for dragons!

Learn more:

Which brings us to the reptilian creature itself; yes, she’s a woman, which helps offset some similarities with the iconic Smaug from The Hobbit. Voiced by Shohreh Aghdashloo, who possesses a deep, caramel timbre, the dragon stalks Elodie in her lair while breathing taunts and promises of death. It’s a fantastic combination of voice and visuals – the dragon is beautifully designed – and adds a creepy, serial killer vibe to the proceedings.

Together, Brown and Aghdashloo’s performances elevate the film beyond its bare bones. You may see the finale appear long before it happens, but these two determined ladies make sure you have a gripping ride.

Damsel premieres on Netflix on Friday, March 8. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV guide or visit our Movie hub for all the latest news.

Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for just £10 – Subscribe now. For more on TV’s biggest stars, listen The Radio Times podcast.