Nimona is a 2023 Netflix film based on the graphic novel of the same name by ND Stevenson. It features the genre of science fantasy: an amalgam of science fiction and fantasy elements represented through a flawless and captivating mixture of futurism, with advanced technology such as flying cars and holographic screeens, and medieval influences, such as the concept of knights and walled cities. Perhaps most notable is the anachronistic presence of fairytale tropes and themes within the postmodern world, grounding the audience in the nostalgia of childhood bedtime stories while basking in the familiar novelty of sci-fi technologies. All this portrayed through stunning animation, on-point character design and brilliant voice acting.
The story is told around two main characters: Ballister Boldheart, a knight framed for a devastating crime, and Nimona, a shapeshifter insistent on becoming Ballister’s villianous sidekick. Through these characters, Nimona explores the experiences of being marginalized or othered by society which resonates despite being toned down from the original graphic novel due to its younger target audience. Throughought the movie, they embark on a journey that begins with trying to prove Ballister’s innocence and ends with a complete upheaval of the City’s corrupt institutions and reworking of the peoples’ worldviews (kid-friendly edition). There are also heavy themes of queerness throughout the story, largely testament to ND Stevenson’s own experiences of being nonbinary and transmasculine, with Ballister’s relationship with his fellow knight Ambrosius Goldenloin portrayed as organically and realistically as you can in a comedic, action-packed science fantasy and Nimona’s gender non-conformity. This coupled with the allegorical plot of the protagonists being othered by society’s prejudices, and stellar quotes that serve to directly call out prejudices and validate queer experiences, and we have a film centering around two queer main characters, whose queerness is not the main point but still an important part of their identities and character development. It is a brilliant example of casual, validating and humanizing representation.
There are pieces of media out there that are difficult to recommend to people whilst skirting around huge spoilers. However, the fact that it is entirely uncomplicated to find good things to say about Nimona while managing not to spoil it is simply a testament to its brilliance. And now, there is nothing more for me to say but to watch this movie. Whether for the fun of it or in a critical lense, whether to turn it into a family movie night or to watch it alone in your room, this is a movie for absolutely everyone.
