Nimona I Review by: Stefano Bove

 Nimona was not even on my radar until I noticed it was coming out on Netflix in just a few short weeks. This sleeper hit will surprise many as one of the best animated films of the year. 

The film boasts a really flashy setting of a walled kingdom of knights and queens but if that kingdom takes place with modern computers and technology. This setting makes for a really cool story that adds many elements to the deep rooted backstory of the kingdom and how they have evolved over time. The allegories of the story are always relevant as societies evolve and adapt to the times but many feel threatened by the changes. One of those changes comes from a knight named Baliister Boldheart who is the first knight being knighted outside of nobility. Not knowing he is being targeted by many, Ballister must clear his name of murder and in turn, discover many hidden secrets of the Kingdoms past. 

Nimona is a shapeshifter who comes to Ballisters aid, their relationship is complicated and layered as they work together but also open up about each other's vulnerabilities. In learning to trust one another, both of these characters tell a story of acceptance from society in different ways. We are in a beautiful era of representation in the media and Ninoma is an amazing example of how to tell a story for people of all ages about acceptance and gender identity.

As a fan of animated films, specifically Japanese anime; I am so happy that we are finally seeing so many amazing stories being told in animated forms in north america, Nimona is not only a wonderful story but it's animation style and sell-shading stands out from other studio's, specifically Disney and Pixar. 

 Sometimes the Netflix model of releases allow for wonderful pieces of media to go unnoticed. This film took over eight years to complete and survived the bankruptcy of an animation studio and thankfully was still completed and released, I just hope that we can spread the word enough to support this amazing film. The voice acting, the story and characters deserve a wide audience praise. 

4.5/5 

Review by: Stefano Bove

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