Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Book-based tale has both violence and positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Nimona
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 38 parent reviews
What's the Story?
In NIMONA, Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) is the sole knight not born into his position serving the institute director (Frances Conroy) and queen (Lorraine Toussaint) of his futuristic medieval world. When his sword kills the queen upon the celebration of his knighthood, he runs away and becomes a wanted fugitive. Teenager Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz) comes to his rescue. She's a shape-shifter called a "monster" by most, and Bal isn't sure at first whether she's actually evil, as others seem to think. He accepts her as his sidekick in his attempt to survive long enough to prove his innocence. Meanwhile, the director's knights, led by Bal's true love, Ambrosius Goldenloin (Eugene Lee Yang), are hot on their trail.
Is It Any Good?
From its storybook opening credits to its graphic novel end credits set to an empowering punk anthem, this is a fast-paced animated film with important messages about inclusivity. Nimona is different, and her unique abilities make her an outcast. The film asks us to empathize with the outcasts and see their point of view. When we empathize and see others as friends, our world expands. This is shown literally through a glittery, sharp-shaped, and medieval walled kingdom where citizens live in constant fear of outsiders and what's beyond their walls, based on fear-driven rumor and lore. Sound familiar?
What's so effective about Nimona's message is that the animated characters, especially those voiced by Ahmed, Moretz, and Yang, are believable, and their battles feel vaguely relevant to our modern lives. When Nimona questions the whole system of a civilization built on fear, or when the director suggests that anyone in your life, including familiar members and neighbors, could be the enemy, it's disorienting. Cable news has nothing on these two fearmongers. The fact that the two men harbor a deep love and Nimona has faced rejection her whole life adds to the story's messages of acceptance. The sarcastic banter between upright Bal and rebel Nimona, and Todd's bro antics keep the film's heavier themes light. Its diverse cast and thematic layers make Nimona meaningful for a wide range of viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how each of the main characters learns and expresses empathy in Nimona. How does this represent an evolution for each, and how does it serve them and others well?
In what ways is Nimona a typical teenager? Could you see any of your own life experiences in hers? How do teens "shape-shift" in their own ways?
Do you see any parallels to our own modern-day society in Nimona's questioning of the "institute" rather than the "director," or in citizens being fearful of what lies "beyond the wall" of their own city?
The creators of Nimona call the futuristic world they've created "techno-medieval." Why? Did it remind you of settings you've seen in any other animated films?
How does the use of color complement the characters and tone of what's happening in different scenes in this movie?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: June 30, 2023
- Cast: Chloe Grace Moretz , Riz Ahmed , Eugene Lee Yang
- Directors: Nick Bruno , Troy Quane
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Indian/South Asian actors, Gay actors, Asian actors, Female writers
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Book Characters , Friendship , Great Boy Role Models
- Character Strengths: Empathy
- Run time: 101 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: violence and action, thematic elements, some language and rude humor
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: August 31, 2023
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