A commoner knight in a futuristic medieval society finds an unlikely ally after being framed for murdering the beloved queen. Nimona, ND Stevenson's award-winning graphic novel, gets a banner animated adaptation from Netflix after almost failing to reach audiences. A beautiful tale of acceptance and understanding over fear, racism, and xenophobia arrives at the perfect time for our divided society. Nimona uses a hilarious narrative and compelling characters to teach a valuable lesson.Those who are different have feelings, and deserve compassion and equal rights under the law. Vilifying the hated 'other' is usually born from pure ignorance.
Queen Valerin (Lorraine Toussaint) gives a monumental announcement on every visual display in the bustling Kingdom. Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) will be the first knight not descended from royal lineage. She has watched a vivacious child grow into a noble man. Ballister has earned his commission to the Institute. He will take a rightful place among the honored few who protect the citizenry from evil monsters that lurk beyond the protective wall. Ambrosius Goldenloin (Eugene Lee Yang), a champion knight and direct ancestor of the revered Gloreth, is especially overjoyed. He can now fight alongside his true love.
A nervous Ballister arms himself for the ceremony. His greatest dream has finally been realized. Ballister walks through the deafening arena towards the Queen. The Director (Frances Conroy) gives him a nod of encouragement. Ballister kneels and presents his sword, but gets a shocking surprise. The hilt opens and fires a deadly shot before exploding. Ballister falls through a crack below as everyone above screams in terror. Queen Valerin has been assassinated. The Institute scrambles its forces to hunt down the despicable traitor.
Chloë Grace Moretz as Nimona
Ballister flees to an abandoned house. Who could have framed him for such a heinous crime? A strange girl with pink hair and a mischievous smirk appears at his side. Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz) congratulates Ballister for his dastardly deed. Someone finally stood up to the Institute and their vile oppression. A stunned Ballister pushes her outside the door, only to be gobsmacked as she seemingly materializes again.
Nimona wants to be his sidekick. She'll help him to regain his honor and uncover Queen Valerin's murderer, as long as they stick it to the Institute on their valiant quest. Ballister gains an appreciation for Nimona's incredible shape-shifting powers, but soon questions if his new partner is the vicious enemy he's trained his entire life to fight.
The film's themes are clear from a sharp opening. The Kingdom has a strict hierarchy of obedience. Only the right type of people are in charge. The Institute preaches strict adherence to rigid norms. The rules keep everyone safe. Monsters will destroy them all otherwise. Imminent destruction awaits if they lower standards or drop their guard. Less freedom is a small price to pay for safety. To them, Ballister's promotion was a foolish mistake. The Queen paid a dear price for believing an average person could rise to the occasion.
Nimona's shape-shifting abilities stokes irrational paranoia. How do you know the person across the table isn't the monster in disguise? She could literally be anyone or anything. The Institute employs a visceral distrust of the unknown to seed panic and force compliance. Have faith in those that know better. They are in charge for a reason. No one has actually seen any of the fabled monsters Gloreth fought. The assumption is they are dangerous and violent. Therefore, a deadly threat that must be destroyed. The Kingdom is built on a foundation of prejudice.
Riz Ahmed as Ballister Boldheart
Nimona learns the value of friendship from Ballister. Constant subjugation has made her a resentful outcast. She's bitter but not consumed by hatred. A desperately needed dose of kindness and empathy unlocks her guarded heart. Ballister, who never felt like he belonged in the Institute, finally comprehends the folly of its preaching. He became an easy target as the nail that stood out. The monster believed in him when no one else did.
Nimona was originally produced by Blue Sky Studios, an animation subsidiary of 20th Century Fox. It was shelved near completion for its supposedly controversial subject matter when Disney acquired Fox's media business. Annapurna Pictures then bought and completed the film for distribution. Art can be divisive and offensive. There's nothing here that comes anywhere close.
It's important to clarify that Nimona's very funny and entertaining. It doesn't beat you over the head with its message. Anyone watching can ignore the morality play for slick animation and a great story. Nimona and Ballister are just as heroic as any dynamic duo gracing the summer theaters. They fight for truth and justice in the face of nearly insurmountable odds. Who wouldn't want a sidekick that can change into a pink rhino and plow through baddies?
Nimona is a production of Annapurna Pictures. It premieres June 23rd exclusively on Netflix.
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