The Paw Print

By Cameron Smith, Staff Writer of Arts and Entertainment

About Nimona

Nimona is a computer-animated science fiction fantasy comedy film created by Annapurna Pictures and distributed by Netflix. Formerly a Blue Sky Studios film that was buried with the studio’s shutdown, this exciting yet heartwarming adventure based on the graphic novel by ND Stevenson debuted in the Netflix streaming service on June 30, 2023.

Plot: A+

Main characters Nimona (right) and Ballister (left)

Set in a futuristic kingdom, a strong-willed man named Ballister Boldheart prepares to be the first civilian to become a knight, but an unexpected turn of events leads Ballister to be framed for a tragic crime he didn’t commit! Luckily, his chance at redemption comes in the form of Nimona, a shapeshifting teenage girl with a thirst for mayhem, and the two join forces to find the true culprit of the crime. Chaos is brewing, and this kingdom ain’t ready!

Cast: A

• Chloe Grace Moretz as Nimona, a teenage girl with the ability to shapeshift and a penchant for destruction.
• Riz Ahmed as Ballister Boldheart, a serious yet well-meaning former knight who was framed for an atrocious crime.
• Eugene Lee Yang as Ambrosius Goldenloin, Ballister’s best friend and love interest.
• Frances Conroy as the Director of the Institute for Elite Knights.
• Other roles include Lorraine Toussaint, Beck Bennet, RuPaul, Indya Moore, Sarah Sherman, Karen Ryan, Cindy Slattery, Sommersill Tarabek, and Lylianna Eugene.

Reception: A+

Nimona received extremely positive reviews from critics for its animation, themes, humor, characters, music, tone and the performances of Moretz and Ahmed as Nimona and Ballister respectively. The film, on Rotten Tomatoes, received a 94% Tomatometer rating and a 91% audience score. Here’s the film description by Rotten Tomatoes: “Tapping a rich emotional vein with its splendid animation and thoughtful allegory, Nimona is a deeply lovable animated adventure.” Peter Debruge, a journalist who reviewed the film after its premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, praised it for Nimona’s “hip and impulsive” character, the “outside-the-box” animation, its LGBTQ+ themes, as well as the voice performance of Moretz, calling it a “delicious sense of anarchy.” Additionally, Metacritic gave the film a 79/100.

MPAA rating:

Rated PG for violence and action, thematic elements, some language and rude humor.

Watch this official clip from Netflix After School as Nimona and Ballister beat down an army of knights—thrasher style!