Nimona: A Whimsical Adventure that Will Leave You Begging for More!

Content: Animated cinema has experienced a remarkable period of success, with teams of talented animators creating some of the most intelligent, complex, and pioneering stories. Nimona follows suit, captivating audiences with its anarchic burst of joy, overflowing with imagination and fun. This film is a fantasy lover's dream.

Coming to Netflix, Nimona is the brainchild of directorial duo Nick Bruno and Troy Quane. Bruno, previously an animator at Blue Sky Studios, and Quane, who honed his skills at Disney, made their directorial debut with the 2019 film Spies in Disguise. Originally slated for a theatrical release in early 2020, the film went through a lengthy production battle before finding its home on Netflix.

The setting of Nimona is a captivating retro-futurist kingdom ruled by a culture of anointed knights. Despite the technological advancements such as flying cars and smartphones, the civilization resides behind a massive wall due to the fear of monstrous creatures. Legend has it that a thousand years ago, a renowned knight named Gloreth valiantly defended the people against a formidable beast. The story begins with the kingdom preparing to bestow knighthood upon an unlikely candidate, Ballister Boldheart. Although Ballister lacks a noble lineage and is an orphan, he proves himself deserving of wielding the sword. However, tragedy strikes on the day of his knighthood ceremony when his blade mysteriously kills the queen. In an instant, Ballister's life unravels as he is accused of murder, has his arm amputated as punishment, and becomes the target of the man he loves who is compelled to hunt him down. With seemingly no hope left, Ballister finds an unexpected savior.

Nimona, a rebellious shapeshifter, is in search of a supervillain to team up with. In a stroke of fate, she finds Ballister, who is at his lowest point, and becomes his source of support. From the moment Nimona appears, her vibrant personality shines through. Her playful nature is reminiscent of Bugs Bunny combined with the mischievousness of Arcane's Jinx. While Ballister aims to clear his name, Nimona sets her sights on something much bigger- dismantling the entire Institution. Though she remains guarded about her past, it is evident that she has faced a lifetime of fear. Together, Ballister and Nimona embark on a mission to uncover the truth behind the framed ex-knight and the conspiracy surrounding the queen's murder. This fast-paced fantasy adventure offers both a thrilling sense of anarchy and surprising depth.

Nimona is a true visual delight. With recent films like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse setting high standards for animated adventures, Nimona rises to the challenge. Taking inspiration from Eyivind Earle's work with Disney in the 50s and Charley Harper's "minimal realism," the film's artistry relies on simple shapes to create a distinct contrast between characters and settings. Nimona's shapeshifting is brought to life through vibrant bursts of color, while her punk rock aesthetic is depicted with spray paint and washed-out visuals. The soundtrack perfectly encapsulates the punk sensibility, complementing the overall tone flawlessly. The combination of these elements results in a visually stunning and refreshingly unique creation.

The cast of Nimona deserves every bit of the praise they have received. Riz Ahmed delivers a truly brilliant performance as Ballister, capturing the character's essence with heartfelt sincerity. Chloë Grace Moretz flawlessly portrays the titular role, effortlessly matching Ahmed's level of talent. Moretz successfully navigates through emotionally charged scenes, always leaving a lasting impact. Together, these two leads display immense chemistry and individual brilliance. Moreover, the supporting cast is remarkable, with Eugene Lee Yang of Try Guys fame bringing depth and intrigue to Ballister's love interest and reluctant adversary. RuPaul and Indiya Moore make delightful appearances as the realm's news anchors, infusing each scene with their own unique charm. Not to forget, SNL funnyman Beck Bennett perfectly embodies an outwardly hostile knight, bringing his hilarious persona to life in an incredibly entertaining manner. Nimona boasts an exceptional cast and a captivating story. What makes this project even more special is the fact that the world almost missed out on it.

Nimona, produced by Blue Sky Studios, known for the Ice Age franchise, marked the studio's final project before being shut down by Disney. Despite Disney's reputation for championing queer representation, they declined to associate themselves with Nimona, which explores a same-sex relationship and themes of acceptance. However, Annapurna Pictures stepped in to save the film, maintaining its original cast, story, and style. Nimona is an essential viewing experience, appealing to audiences of all ages with its clever, rebellious, and heartfelt nature. It serves as both a celebration of artistic vision and a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing corporate influence on art. Nimona stands as the anti-hero that our world needs at this moment.