Millie Bobby Brown's New Netflix Film Puts a Fresh Twist on the Classic Damsel-in-Distress Story

Throughout the film, Elodie carries an air of confidence that will likely remind viewers of Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games, or perhaps Merida from Brave. She's resourceful, she's fiercely protective of her little sister, she values honesty and she works hard to support her family. There's no indication that she's been waiting passively for a partner to sweep her off her feet and live happily ever after. Even after she learns of the prince's sudden proposal, she becomes suspicious—careful to consider how this will affect her family.

However, after her meet-cute with Prince Henry (played by Nick Robinson), she lets her guard down—and Brown does an incredible job of showing Elodie's mixed emotions as her wedding day approaches. But it's not until the ball drops that Brown's acting chops are put on display. She fully embraces the gritty, mature role, with Elodie going from utter disbelief and disappointment to hopelessness, after learning that her wedding was merely a cruel transaction. But then she moves past her fear and resolves to escape.

Now, if we were to follow the usual trope, this would be the time when Prince Henry sneaks into the cave and rescues his bride after professing his love. But Elodie isn't banking on his return. She realizes that she must save herself.

It's a welcome addition to the growing list of Disney movies that follow the same trend, where flawed women get to carve out their own paths and thrive—sans Prince Charming. (If you need more proof, see Mulan, Frozen or Moana.) Plus, it includes an inspiring message of hope and resilience.

Brown said in her interview with Netflix, "I made [the movie] to not only challenge myself, but to have young girls and boys look up to someone who started as a victim, turned themselves into a warrior and used all of the things that were meant to restrict her as her weapon to protect herself."

All we can say is, mission accomplished, Millie.

In addition to Brown and Robinson, the fantasy film stars Angela Bassett as Elodie's stepmother, Robin Wright as Queen Isabelle and Ray Winstone as the King. Damsel is now available to stream on Netflix.

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