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MESSAGE IN THE MOVIES

Walt Disney had it easy. He based his first animated films – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Sleeping Beauty – on familiar children’s stories. He had fun with the source material but could rely on the audience’s comfort level with these tales to create a safe place in which families could return to these movies again and again, with predictable happy endings guaranteed.

Today’s world of animation embraces a wider spectrum of content, and celebrated graphic novels have provided more mature themes to emerge onto the big screen (or flatscreen).

Nimona is based on a popular award-winning web comic and graphic novel by ND Stevenson which takes place in an alternative future world in which knighthood, flying cars and authoritarian government coexist.

The spoken prologue tells of a time a thousand years ago when a legion of knights, led by the hero Gloreth fought a terrible Monster and banished it from the kingdom. While statues of Gloreth are displayed publicly, it is important for the knights to keep a vigilant watch. As the narrator states: “You can never let your guard down, because the monsters are always out there.”

As the story properly begins, Ballister Boldheart (voiced by Riz Ahmed) and his friend and partner Ambrosius Goldenloin (Eugene Lee Yang) are about to be knighted by Queen Valerin (Lorraine Toussaint). Ballister is a commoner and Ambrosius is a descendent of Gloreth, but the Queen is desiring to usher in a new age where “anyone can be a hero”. However, as Ballister bows to be knighted, his sword is rigged to kill the queen. Ambrosius reacts and cuts off Ballister’s right arm and Ballister runs off into hiding, fashioning a prosthetic arm and hand. Coming to his aid is the shapeshifter Nimona (a great vocal performance by Chloë Grace Moretz), who senses his need for a sidekick.

All of this takes place in the first ten minutes!

As Ballister and Nimona work together to clear his name, they are pursued by The Director (Frances Conroy), Ambrosius, and other knights. Seeking to uncover the truth behind the queen’s murder will be a challenge, since Nimona is prone to have mood swings in which she wants to start breaking things.

At once complicated but also easy to understand, the movie tells three parallel stories: Ballister and Nimona’s growing friendship; Ballister and Ambrosius’ relationship torn apart by misunderstanding; and The Director’s oppressive regime built of lies and in need of reformation.

These dark themes find their reconciliation through humor, ingenuity, and tolerance. It is rare to discover so much enjoyment and thought-provoking content in a 90-minute animated film, but it’s all there. I hope that families with older children will find time to watch and discuss Nimona.

Halo and Pitchfork Rating:

Four halos: An entertaining family film that is willing to deal with some serious subjects – prejudice, hate speech, and duplicity – in the midst of a rousing adventure story.
Three pitchforks: Shapeshifter Nimona is a troublemaker who enjoys breaking things and playfully suggesting murder; deep themes may confuse younger children; scenes of violence; mild rude language.

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