This has to be one of the best animated films ever. I am so glad Annapurna Pictures and Netflix saved this movie from being shelved in the cold Disney vault. This film was originally a production of 20th Century Fox's Blue Sky Studios, and it was going to be their greatest movie yet. Unfortunately, Disney shut down Blue Sky after they purchased Fox, and cancelled the movie just because, as per usual, Nimona's Queer Romance Made Disney Executives "uncomfortable", and tried to toss the project. Hilarious, considering this is the same company with The Owl House, which is heavy on same sex couple representation (not a bad thing). Luckily, the production teams were able to market it to Annapurna Pictures and Netflix and complete the project.
Set in a sci-fi/medieval fantasy world, Ballister is framed for the murder of the queen of their futuristic kingdom in an awards ceremony sabotage, and is set out for answers and revenge. Nimona, who is living amongst society as an outcast, is looking to take down the oppressive overlords of this society, and enlists Ballister to help her, after coming across a bounty for him. Seeing a "villainous spirit" in Ballister, as he is facing similar treatment for his commoner origin and the murder of the Queen, Nimona hires herself as his new sidekick.
I'm so freaking glad that this movie didn't cave in to the soccer-mom guardians of the world. Much like the graphic novel it's based on, this film is rich with queer subtext, from Ballister's complicated feelings with his former friend Ambrosius, to Nimona embracing her gender fluidity and gender nonconformity. I also love how this film criticizes organized religion, shows that hate is generally taught, and even makes frequently clever commentary on people who choose to live in their small world bubbles and refusing to accept change, progress, and nonconformity to societal expectations. There's also the story arc involving Nimona's rage and depression towards the society refusing to accept her because of her abilities and nonconforming identity. There's also allegories to being non-binary and a scene in which a character tries to commit suicide due to the continuous hatred the face.
This is certainly one of the greatest science fiction and fantasy films of all time, as well as one the best animated movies ever. I'm happy to hear the positive buzz surrounding this movie, and I hope this gets a Blu-Ray and/or DVD release. As a straight guy, it's satisfying seeing more mainstream LGBTQIA+ representation. Also, I'd definitely recommend reading the graphic novel. It's in the same position as James O' Barr's "The Crow", where the graphic novel's just as great as the movie and vice-versa. Also, DO NOT CONFORM!!!!!