NIMONA: COMPLEXITIES OF GOOD AND EVIL.

“Nimona” is a 2023 American computer-animated science fantasy adventure comedy film directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane from a screenplay by Robert L. Baird and Lloyd Taylor. It is based on the 2015 graphic novel of the same name by ND Stevenson. Set in a sci-fantasy world influenced by the Middle Ages, the film features the voices of Chloë Grace Moretz as the titular character Nimona, Riz Ahmed as her boss Ballister Boldheart, and former knight, Eugene Lee Yang as Ambrosius Goldenloin(the champion knight of the Institution, direct descendant of Gloreth, and Ballister’s boyfriend) , Frances Conroy as Frances Conroy as The Director , Lorraine Toussaint as Queen Valerin, Beck Bennett as Sir Thoddeus Sureblade, RuPaul Charles as Nate Knight, Indya Moore as Alamzapam Davis , Julio Torres as Diego the Squire, Sarah Sherman as Coriander Cavaverish, and other additional voices and actors who acted in the film.

The movie is set in a medieval kingdom where a villainous super-villain named Lord Ballister Blackheart plots to overthrow the kingdom’s institution of heroes.

The story revolves around Nimona, a young shapeshifter with a mischievous and adventurous spirit. She convinces Blackheart to let her become his sidekick and together they embark on a mission to expose the corruption within the kingdom’s hero organization.

As Nimona and Blackheart delve deeper into their mission, they uncover dark secrets and unexpected alliances. Along the way, they confront their own personal demons and challenge the notion of what it means to be a hero or a villain.

In a final act of redemption, Ambrosius sacrifices himself to save the city by destroying the laser cannon. The Director is defeated and arrested, and the citizens begin to question their preconceived notions about good and evil. Nimona and Ballister, now reconciled, continue their mission to expose corruption and fight for justice in the kingdom. The film ends with a message of hope and the power of friendship to overcome adversity.

The themes explored in “Nimona” include friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of good and evil. It combines elements of humour, action, and heartfelt moments to create an engaging and thought-provoking story. The film challenges societal expectations and preconceived notions by showing that friendship can transcend traditional boundaries and that good and evil are not always clear-cut. It also delves into the idea of loyalty, as Nimona and Ballister stay true to each other despite facing doubts and betrayals. Ultimately, the film raises questions about the nature of good and evil, urging viewers to consider that things may not always be as they seem.

“Nimona” had its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 14, 2023, was released in select cinemas on June 23, 2023, and made its streaming debut on June 30, 2023, by Netflix. The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised its animation, themes, humour, characters, musical score, tone, and vocal performances (particularly that of Moretz and Ahmed).

Delia Nyadi.