Nimona is a rip-roaring animated adventure from Annapurna Pictures, about the power of emotional connections and the importance of being seen.
Adapted in part by writer Robert L. Baird (Big Hero 6) from N D Stevenson’s novel of the same name, Nimona features Chloe Grace Moretz (Nimona) and Riz Ahmed (Ballister Boldheart) on top form. The former embodying a smart-mouthed shape shifting entity with relentless gusto, while her co-star emanates empathy as a disgraced champion.
Knighted in full view of an enraptured audience on live television, Boldheart is driven into exile when his ceremonial sword slays their beloved Queen (Lorraine Toussaint). Ostracised from his only love Ambrosius Goldenloin (Eugene Lee Yang), and hunted by an elite pack of armoured guards, this animated examination of identity is aided by some perpetually plucky performances.
In the role of Nimona, Chloe Grace Moretz yet again demonstrates her versatility, breathing life into a shape shifting outcast who is forever misunderstood. Revealing touches of tenderness through Nimona’s wisecracking persona, which masks her inherent insecurity and fear of retribution.
With obvious villains, a distinct style of animation and some simple home truths at its core, this might not be a top tier classic in the tradition of Pixar, Disney or Dreamworks – but at ninety minutes Nimona never outstays its welcome either. Playing out a moral fable with old fashioned foundations, that is savvy enough to make itself accessible to younger audiences, while appeasing their parents in the process.
However, the degree of inventive animation rarely comes close to competing with those big players. Meaning that audiences might find themselves needlessly distracted with other forms of entertainment, while Nimona and Ballister battle their own personal demons. Those niggles aside, this film also benefits from the presence of Frances Conroy (Joker) who adds an essential malevolence to her turn as The Director, successfully counterbalancing any softer edges Nimona might possess.
However, for audiences seeking a summer holiday diversion, Nimona may provide a short term stop gap for younger children, but parents should still embrace the invention of Big Hero 6 over this lesser entry in the animation cannon.
Nimona is available to stream on Netflix now.
