Is Damsel Worth Watching? Reviews, Audience Reactions & Full Breakdown
In a cinematic landscape overflowing with superhero flicks, sequels, and remakes, Netflix’s Damsel (2024) brings a refreshing twist to the traditional fairy tale formula. Starring Millie Bobby Brown, the fantasy-adventure film has sparked curiosity, praise, and even debate since its release.
But the real question people are asking is: “Is Damsel actually good?”
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Damsel reviews, from critic ratings and audience reactions to plot highlights and reasons why it’s becoming a must-watch fantasy film of the year.
What is Damsel About?
Let’s start with the basics.
Damsel is a dark fantasy drama that flips the traditional “princess in distress” narrative on its head. Millie Bobby Brown stars as Princess Elodie, a young royal who agrees to marry into another kingdom—only to find out that she’s been chosen as a human sacrifice to a dragon.
Key Themes:
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Female empowerment
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Survival against the odds
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Betrayal and revenge
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Mythical creatures and medieval lore
Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (28 Weeks Later) and written by Dan Mazeau (Wrath of the Titans), Damsel brings together horror, fantasy, and drama in a uniquely intense way.
Critics’ Reviews: What Are Experts Saying?
Professional reviews for Damsel are mixed to positive, with praise directed at the lead performance and visual effects, but some criticism aimed at the pacing and story depth.
🌟 Rotten Tomatoes:
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Audience Score: 72%
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Critics Score: 65%
🎬 IGN:
“Millie Bobby Brown delivers a fierce performance in a story that doesn’t quite meet its full potential. Still, Damsel is a compelling twist on the fantasy genre.”
Rating: 7/10
📰 Variety:
“While the storyline feels familiar in places, Damsel manages to stand out with stunning visuals, a strong central character, and a surprising amount of emotional depth.”
🗞️ The Guardian:
“A visually engaging ride, though it occasionally struggles to balance its darker themes with its fantasy roots.”
Audience Reactions: What Viewers Think
🔥 Positive Reactions:
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Millie Bobby Brown’s Performance: Widely praised for her emotional range and physicality. Fans of Stranger Things are particularly impressed with her evolution into a mature action star.
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Unique Storyline: Many viewers appreciate the female-led narrative and the film’s rejection of traditional fantasy tropes.
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Visuals & Set Design: The dragon scenes, castle interiors, and mystical landscapes are receiving high marks for creativity and execution.
⚠️ Common Criticisms:
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Slow Start: Some viewers feel the first 30 minutes are a bit slow before the action really kicks in.
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Predictable Plot Points: While the concept is unique, a few moments feel too safe or expected for seasoned fantasy fans.
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Supporting Cast: The supporting characters, while decent, don’t leave a strong impression compared to Millie.
Is Damsel Family-Friendly?
Not entirely. While the movie is fantasy-based and stars a young actress, it contains mature themes such as betrayal, sacrifice, and intense survival scenes involving a dragon. It’s better suited for teens and adults.
Rating: PG-13
Trigger Warnings: Violence, dark themes, and mild blood scenes
The Star of the Show: Millie Bobby Brown
There’s no denying it—Millie Bobby Brown carries the film on her shoulders. Known for her role as Eleven in Stranger Things, she continues to evolve as an actress with this emotionally charged and physically demanding role.
Highlights of Her Performance:
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Intense solo scenes in dark caves
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Action-packed fight sequences
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Strong emotional moments of betrayal and determination
Many fans and critics believe Damsel is her best film performance to date.
Comparing Damsel to Other Fantasy Movies
| Movie | Lead Actor | Streaming Platform | Plot Focus | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damsel (2024) | Millie Bobby Brown | Netflix | Princess turned dragon-slayer | 7/10 |
| Enola Holmes (2020) | Millie Bobby Brown | Netflix | Detective adventures | 7.5/10 |
| Maleficent (2014) | Angelina Jolie | Disney+ | Villain origin story | 7/10 |
| The Witcher (2019–) | Henry Cavill | Netflix | Monster hunting fantasy | 8/10 |
| Snow White & the Huntsman (2012) | Kristen Stewart | Prime Video | Dark fairytale remake | 6.5/10 |
Compared to other fantasy titles, Damsel offers a unique mix of survival, action, and emotional storytelling. It’s more grounded than The Witcher and darker than Enola Holmes.
Why Damsel Is Worth Watching
If you’re still on the fence, here are some solid reasons to give Damsel a shot:
✅ Empowering Narrative
It’s a refreshing break from the damsel-in-distress formula. Instead, Millie Bobby Brown plays a self-reliant hero.
✅ Visually Stunning
From dragon lairs to medieval castles, the visual storytelling in Damsel is both immersive and beautifully rendered.
✅ Perfect for Fantasy Fans
If you love movies with dragons, castles, and intense adventure, Damsel checks all the boxes.
✅ High Replay Value
The layers in Elodie’s story and the action sequences make this a film you can watch more than once without losing interest.
What Could Have Been Better
No movie is perfect, and Damsel has a few areas where it falls short:
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Deeper Backstories: A richer look into Elodie’s family or the villain’s motivations would have added depth.
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More World-Building: The fantasy setting is intriguing, but some viewers wanted more lore and history about the kingdom and the dragon.
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