movie review - Damsel
the journal of Michael Werneburg
twenty-seven years and one million words
Another movie night, and another selection by The Girl. This is a fantasy story about a princess from a small and impoverished kingdom who is married off to a prince from a distant and fabulously wealthy kingdom. Everything seems fairly smooth until just before the ceremony, when it starts to become clear that something isn't right. The mother of the prince, for instance, eviscerates the mother of the princess for being "low-born" and a climber. But the die is cast, the girl's parents have their finances sorted so it's bye-bye daughter. During the wedding ceremony, the princess is thrown into a pit to be the annual sacrifice to the powerful creature who assures the company's wealth.
I enjoyed this movie more than I expected. The plot is sound, the characters are true, and the way the whole thing plays out feels both authentic and rewarding. It helps that the casting is quite good, in this case with powerful female lead and antagonists. Despite its time-worn themes, it manages to be innovative and engaging.
Recommended.