Nimona (2023) — Movie Review

Netflix's new animated offering, "Nimona," is adequate but not exceptional. Its narrative, although sufficient, lacks unpredictability and falls short of surprise elements. The visual effects oscillate between impressive facial animations and a uniquely intriguing blend of cyberpunk and medieval elements. Then there are the less impressive backgrounds and scenes characterized by muted, minimalist, and somewhat uninspiring colors.

Although the film carries a wholesome message, it struggles to distinguish itself amidst a sea of animated projects. "Nimona" unfortunately does not manage to create a strong impression.

The film's central character, Ballister Boldheart, is about to be a knight. His worry, however, lies in being embraced by society. In a twist of events, he is implicated in the queen's murder during his ceremony and earns the label of "Queen Killer." Owing to this, Ballister has to part ways with his lover and fellow knight, Ambrosius, and becomes a fugitive.

During his escape, Ballister takes refuge in a workshop where a spirited and audacious rebel named Nimona chooses to be his villainous accomplice. Nimona, possessing the ability to shapeshift, frequently rescues Ballister from predicaments. They embark on a mission to clear their names, but with everyone pursuing them, it proves a daunting task.

The plot predictably revolves around a broader conspiracy, something viewers will foresee early on in the film. The villain's motive is simply that they are evil, which lacks sophistication. The plot moves in a structured manner, leading to a climactic battle and a resolution for our characters' journey of self-realization.

Despite exploring interesting themes, the characters largely conform to standard archetypes and lack depth. Whether it's the antagonist who is evil for the sake of it, the misunderstood romantic interest, or the overly energetic child tagging along with the reluctant hero, all the clichés are present. Aside from a few impactful emotional moments towards the end, no character truly stands out.

Visually, "Nimona" is inconsistent. While the character animations are commendable, certain scenes are downright unappealing. The lack of detailing and muted colors in several scenes is surprisingly disappointing.

There are noticeable inconsistencies in shading and detailing. For instance, in one scene, the coffee table and flowerpot lack shading, but the sofas are shaded. Moreover, the walls are bare and the doors lack definition. The problem persists even in non-action scenes, with a lack of shading, definition, and lighting making the visuals flat and lifeless.

These glaring inconsistencies in the film's visual design suggest a potential discordance in the production team, giving the film an unpolished feel.

The humor in "Nimona" is a redeeming factor, marked by a successful combination of physical comedy and Nimona's ceaseless vibrant energy. The developing relationship between Nimona and Ballister over the course of the film is another bright spot.

Nevertheless, "Nimona" fails to leave a lasting impression. While noteworthy, its exploration of themes like acceptance, understanding, and empathy are not unique in children's animation. The film seems more concerned with representing these themes effectively than with crafting a compelling and innovative narrative.

In comparison to masterpieces like "Klaus" or the visual splendor of stop-motion wonders like "Kubo and the Two Strings," "Nimona" isn't an animation you'd feel compelled to revisit anytime soon.