"Damsel," directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, follows the story of a young woman who is set to marry a prince in a kingdom plagued by a dragon. As she prepares for her new life, she discovers that the prince's family has a dark tradition of sacrificing brides to the dragon to maintain peace in the realm. Realizing her fate, she must summon her courage and resourcefulness to escape the deadly ritual. Along the way, she encounters various challenges and allies, each contributing to her journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The film blends elements of fantasy and adventure, exploring themes of bravery, resilience, and the fight against oppressive traditions.
Characters
Millie Bobby Brown plays Princess Elodie, who discovers she's to be sacrificed to a dragon and must fight to save herself and her kingdom.
Ray Winstone plays Rufus Cornell, a grizzled bounty hunter entangled in a rescue mission, adding tension and complexity to the unfolding adventure.
Angela Bassett plays Lady Bayford, a mentor and guide to the protagonist, helping her navigate challenges and uncover hidden truths.
Ending Explained
"Damsel," directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, concludes with an unexpected twist that subverts traditional fairy tale narratives. The film follows Samuel Alabaster, a pioneer who embarks on a journey to rescue his kidnapped fiancée, Penelope, with the help of a miniature horse named Butterscotch. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Penelope is not a damsel in distress but a strong, independent woman who does not need rescuing.
In the climax, Samuel reaches Penelope, only to discover that she never wanted to be rescued and had no intention of marrying him. She reveals that she had left of her own accord and is perfectly capable of taking care of herself. This revelation leads to a confrontation where Samuel's delusions of heroism are shattered. The film ends with Penelope asserting her independence and continuing her life on her own terms, while Samuel is left to grapple with the reality of his misguided quest. The conclusion underscores themes of autonomy and the deconstruction of traditional gender roles in storytelling.
