Netflix's Damsel, starring Millie Bobby Brown as Princess Elodie, brought a fantastical kingdom and intricate cave system to life. The film, set to release in 2024, is a dream for fantasy lovers, featuring grand castles and stunning mountain ranges. To recreate Elodie's world of queens, princes, and dragons, a combination of sound stages and real-world filming locations were used to create the magical setting. Damsel went above and beyond to make this enchanting world a reality.
Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, known for films like 28 Weeks Later and Intruders, Netflix's Damsel follows the story of a young woman who, instead of marrying a prince to save her kingdom, finds herself facing a vengeful dragon. Elodie must navigate the creature's cave system, using all her wits and strength to survive and escape. Damsel puts a unique twist on the traditional "damsel in distress" storyline. Despite its deviation from typical fairytales, the filming locations in London and Portugal add a touch of fantasy to the film's visuals.
Troubadour Meridian Water Studios, London
The cave scenes of Damsel were filmed on stages at several studios in London.
Millie Bobby Brown looking up in Damsel - The cave scenes of Damsel were filmed on stages at several studios in London. - Troubadour Meridian Water Studios, London
The Damsel series took advantage of real filming locations whenever possible, but some scenes required the use of sound stages and special effects. That's why the team chose to film at Troubadour Meridian Water Studios in London. This studio offers three studios with a total of 65,000 square feet of modern film production space. It was the perfect location for creating sets for the grand castle scenes of the Kingdom of Aurea, Elodie's home kingdom, and the vast cave system.
The caves in Damsel, where Elodie battles the dragon, were all meticulously designed by the production team at Netflix. Instead of relying heavily on green screens, actress Brown had to physically navigate through these tight spaces. She mentioned that the cave sets in London felt incredibly realistic and she appreciated them as an actor, even though her character, Elodie, may not have felt the same way. This attention to detail was the collaborative effort of director Fresnadillo, production designer Patrick Tatopoulos, cinematographer Larry Fong, and VFX Supervisor Nigel Denton-Howes.
Damsel will be available for streaming on Netflix starting March 8, 2024.
All Other Damsel Scenes Were Filmed In Locations Around Portugal
Angela Basset in Damsel - All Other Damsel Scenes Were Filmed In Locations Around Portugal
Filming Locations in Portugal
In addition to the caves and castle interiors, the movie Damsel made use of practical filming locations whenever possible. Unlike the typical dark and medieval fantasy kingdoms often seen in films, the director, Frasnadillo, wanted the Kingdom of Aurea to have a bright and extravagant feel. The castle was inspired by Manueline architecture, a unique post-gothic style from Portugal. To create an authentic setting, the crew filmed in various cities and mountain ranges throughout the beautiful country.
Batalha, Portugal
Tomar, Portugal
Tomar, Portugal, is another picturesque location that was featured in the film Damsel. The city is home to the stunning Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historical significance and architectural beauty. Tomar also boasts a charming old town area and a tranquil riverside setting, making it a perfect backdrop for filming. The enchanting scenery of Tomar adds to the allure of the movie and enhances the overall viewing experience.
Sortelha, Portugal
Another filming location mentioned for Damsel is Tomar, Portugal, a city famous for its Manueline castles and convents. Tomar also boasts a stunning river that flows near a vibrant and picturesque town, providing a picturesque setting for Elodie as she ventures into the Kingdom of Aurea.
Serra da Estrela, Portugal
Sortelha, Portugal is home to a charming village, but it's the surrounding mountain ranges that served as a filming location for the movie Damsel. The cave where the dragon resides in Damsel is situated within the mountainous landscape surrounding Aurea. As Elodie embarks on her journey, she is escorted through the awe-inspiring ranges. The mountains play a significant role in Netflix's 2024 fantasy, as Elodie first notices mysterious lights flickering near the peaks, hinting that all is not as it appears in this enchanting realm.
Although only a few scenes were shot in Serra da Estrela, this is where we are introduced to the princess in Damsel. The mountain ranges of Sortelha, Portugal, provided a perfect backdrop for portraying Aurea as luxurious and secure. On the other hand, the snowy peaks of Serra da Estrela painted a stark contrast, revealing the harsh reality of Elodie's home kingdom. Despite her noble birth, Brown's character in Damsel faced numerous challenges, shaping her into a formidable adversary for the dragon of Aurea. The limited scenes filmed in Serra da Estrela effectively introduce us to the princess in Damsel, setting the stage for the protagonist of the Netflix film.
Source: Netflix
Editor's P/S:
Netflix's Damsel promises to be an enchanting visual feast for fantasy enthusiasts. The film's stunning scenery, from the grand castles of London to the rugged mountain ranges of Portugal, transports viewers to a realm of magic and adventure. The attention to detail in the cave sets and the use of practical filming locations add an air of authenticity to the story.
Damsel also offers a refreshing twist on the traditional "damsel in distress" storyline. Princess Elodie is a strong and resourceful young woman who refuses to be a passive victim. She actively fights for her own survival and the well-being of her kingdom. This empowering portrayal of a female protagonist is sure to resonate with audiences and inspire young viewers to embrace their own strength and courage.
