Netflix is gearing up for another highly anticipated release with Damsel (2024), a thrilling fairytale-inspired film that promises to turn the classic damsel-in-distress trope on its head. The newly released official trailer has fans buzzing with excitement as it teases a story full of suspense, action, and unexpected twists. With a strong female lead, dark fantasy elements, and a plot brimming with intrigue, Damsel is set to be one of Netflix’s standout films of the year.
At the heart of Damsel is a young woman named Elodie, portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, who is thrust into an extraordinary and perilous situation that turns her world upside down. The film begins with what seems like a traditional fairytale setup: Elodie is promised to marry a prince and lives a life of privilege. However, as the trailer reveals, her life takes a shocking and dangerous turn once she finds herself trapped in a terrifying and deadly situation.
Rather than the usual narrative where the damsel waits for rescue, Elodie soon realizes that she must rely on her own wit, strength, and resourcefulness to survive. The trailer teases that Elodie’s transformation from a sheltered young woman to a fierce survivor will be one of the film’s most compelling arcs, challenging the stereotypical portrayals of women in fairytales.
The official trailer for Damsel reveals that Elodie’s life is turned into a nightmare when her wedding takes a terrifying twist. After being wed to a seemingly perfect prince, Elodie is horrified to discover that her new husband has a dark secret—he is part of a sinister plot involving an ancient dragon, and her marriage is part of a much larger scheme. The once-promising fairytale begins to unravel as she is left to face the deadly consequences of this betrayal.
As Elodie tries to escape from the clutches of her would-be captors, the film takes viewers on an adventure filled with danger, mystery, and unexpected allies. Elodie must navigate a world filled with fantastical creatures, treacherous environments, and villains who are far more dangerous than she could have imagined.
The trailer hints at the inclusion of magical elements, such as ancient spells and mystical forces, that elevate the story beyond a simple fairytale to something darker and more complex. As Elodie’s journey unfolds, she must discover not only how to survive but also how to defeat the very forces that have trapped her in this nightmarish world.
One of the key themes of Damsel is empowerment. The trailer makes it clear that this is not a typical damsel-in-distress story. Elodie may start as a young woman who seems out of place in a world of intrigue and danger, but as the film progresses, she finds inner strength and resilience. Her journey becomes one of survival, self-discovery, and defiance against those who would try to control her fate.
The film explores the theme of personal agency, showing how Elodie refuses to be the passive character often seen in traditional fairytales. Her bravery and resourcefulness will be tested as she faces the terrifying consequences of her forced marriage and the dark world she is now trapped in. As a female protagonist, Elodie breaks free from the usual narrative, showing that even in a fantastical world, women can be the heroes of their own stories.