Name: Nimona
Genre: Animation, Family, Fantasy, Adventure
Released: 2023-06-23T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang, Frances Conroy, Lorraine Toussaint

The opening shot of Nimona lingers on a shapeshifting hand, fingers melting into claws then reforming—an immediate signal that this animated adventure isn’t content with half-measures. Directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, the film adapts ND Stevenson’s acclaimed graphic novel, transmuting its sharp satire and queer themes into a vibrant Netflix feature. The result is a spirited, if uneven, fantasy-action hybrid.

Chloë Grace Moretz voices Nimona, a chaotic teen shapeshifter who inserts herself into the life of Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed), a disgraced knight framed for regicide. Their uneasy alliance—he’s a by-the-book villain with a code, she’s an impulsive anarchist—fuels much of the film’s wit and tension. Moretz leans into Nimona’s brashness with gusto, while Ahmed balances Boldheart’s brooding intensity with moments of dry humor. The voice cast is rounded out by standout performances from Frances Conroy as the sinister Director and RuPaul as Nate Knight, whose brief but memorable scene steals the show.

Visually, Nimona is a triumph. The animation blends medieval fantasy with futuristic sci-fi, creating a world that feels both familiar and fresh. The color palette shifts seamlessly between warm, earthy tones and neon-lit dystopia, mirroring Nimona’s emotional journey. Christophe Beck’s score, particularly the swelling Nimona’s Theme, amplifies the film’s emotional beats without overpowering them.

Where the film stumbles is in its pacing. The first act zips along with snappy dialogue and dynamic action, but the middle sagging under the weight of exposition. The Institute’s machinations—particularly their use of jaderoot for mind control—are compelling but take too long to unpack. The film’s central metaphor about systemic oppression and queer identity is clear, but the heavy-handed delivery sometimes dilutes its impact.

The emotional core of Nimona lies in its exploration of found family and self-acceptance. Nimona’s desperation to belong is palpable, and her evolution from a destructive force to someone who learns the value of vulnerability is the film’s most rewarding arc. The climax, where she sacrifices herself to save Boldheart, is genuinely touching, even if it leans into familiar tropes.

Nimona doesn’t quite reach the heights of Stevenson’s source material, but it’s a bold and heartfelt adaptation that stands on its own merits. It’s not a perfect film—some scenes drag, and the villainous Institute lacks nuance—but its strengths outweigh its flaws.