Nimona
Nimona is a 2023 animated science fantasy action-adventure film based on the popular graphic novel. Set in a futuristic medieval kingdom, the story follows Ballister Boldheart, a knight framed for a crime he didn't commit, who teams up with the rebellious, shapeshifting Nimona to clear his name and expose corruption. The film explores themes of prejudice, acceptance, identity, and questioning authority. With its vibrant animation and fast-paced plot, it aims to deliver a compelling narrative about embracing individuality and challenging societal norms. While rated PG, the movie features content that suggests it is best suited for older tweens and teens due to its mature themes and action sequences.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe film prominently features LGBTQ+ themes, including a central gay relationship and explicit portrayal of gender fluidity through the main character, Nimona. The creator has confirmed the allegorical connection of Nimona's shapeshifting to transgender identity.
The characters Ballister Boldheart and Ambrosius Goldenloin are an openly gay couple, consistently referred to as boyfriends, and share a passionate kiss in the final scene of the film. Nimona's shapeshifting ability is depicted as an allegory for gender identity; when Ballister questions her frequent transformations, she responds with 'I am today' to his exclamation 'And now you're a boy,' confirming her gender-fluid nature. The film's author, ND Stevenson, who is transmasculine and nonbinary, has publicly stated that Nimona's story is a metaphor for transness.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe film features several intense and potentially frightening scenes, particularly concerning themes of rejection, mob mentality, and a character contemplating suicide. Nimona's monstrous transformations and self-sacrificial act can be emotionally distressing.
After experiencing profound abandonment and betrayal, Nimona transforms into the 'Great Black Monster' and moves towards the city's central statue with the intention of impaling herself on its sword, depicting a clear act of attempted suicide. The film also shows a traumatic flashback where villagers, fueled by fear and prejudice, attack a young Nimona with fiery torches and pitchforks, driving her away and inadvertently causing a village fire.
Anti-Christian Themes
HighThe film contains strong allegorical critiques of an oppressive, church-like monarchy, which has been interpreted as representing the Christian church, particularly in its stance on gender and identity. This is amplified by statements from the film's creator about their own Evangelical upbringing.
The 'Institution,' a ruling body within the film's medieval-futuristic society, functions as a church-like monarchy that deifies a figure named Gloreth and enforces rigid societal norms, explicitly demonizing Nimona and those perceived as different. This 'Institution' is explicitly identified by some Christian review outlets as an allegory for the Christian church, representing an oppressive force against gender fluidity. The film's creator, ND Stevenson, has spoken about the narrative's connection to their 'battle against the gender essentialism of [their] Evangelical upbringing,' indicating an intentional critical commentary on certain Christian viewpoints regarding gender and identity.
Violence
MediumThe movie contains frequent fantasy violence and action sequences, including sword fights, laser blasts, and explosions. While often cartoonish and lacking graphic gore, some scenes depict serious injuries, implied death, and a character's self-sacrificial act.
During the knighting ceremony, Ballister's sword weaponizes, firing a laser that directly hits and instantly kills Queen Valerin. In another impactful scene, Ambrosius Goldenloin uses his sword to cut off Ballister's arm. This is shown briefly and without explicit blood detail, but the action is clear. Nimona herself takes an arrow to the leg, and some blood is visible when it is removed.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumRomantic content primarily revolves around a same-sex couple, culminating in a passionate kiss. There is also a brief instance of rude, suggestive humor.
Ballister Boldheart and Ambrosius Goldenloin, an openly gay couple, share longing looks and tender moments throughout the film, concluding with a passionate kiss. There is also a mild moment of suggestive humor when a character makes a comment about it being 'cold in here,' leading another character to cover his crotch in embarrassment.
Profanity
MediumThe film includes some mild profanity and insults, with one instance of a stronger expletive being interrupted.
The term 'Holy sh--' is used but cut off before the final word is fully uttered. Other mild insults and name-calling present in the dialogue include words like 'Dumb,' 'Freak,' 'Vile,' 'Stupid,' and 'Monster.'
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumNimona's shapeshifting abilities are a central plot element and her transformations can sometimes appear menacing or 'demonic,' particularly when she intentionally tries to scare others or transforms into monstrous forms. While not traditional witchcraft, these elements fall within supernatural themes.
Nimona frequently transforms into various animals and eventually into a 'Great Black Monster,' characterized by a massive body of jet-black smoky wisps and glowing, seemingly evil eyes, which instills fear and causes destruction. In one scene, Nimona takes on the form of a young boy and pretends to be possessed, floating with white eyes and limp limbs to scare a man, who reacts by calling her a 'little demon baby.'
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumNimona's character is fundamentally rebellious and displays a disregard for authority and established rules. Her actions often involve direct defiance, chaotic behavior, and minor physical confrontations.
Nimona is characterized by her 'punk-rock antihero' persona and a 'gleeful disregard for authority,' often instigating chaotic situations and actively seeking revenge against the 'Institution.' She repeatedly exhibits physical disrespect towards Ballister, such as slapping or hitting him on multiple occasions, despite their alliance.
Substance Use
LowThe film contains no depictions or explicit references to substance use, including alcohol, drugs, or smoking.
There are no instances of characters consuming alcoholic beverages, engaging in drug use, or smoking throughout the movie. The narrative does not include any visual or verbal indications of substance abuse or intoxication.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
The film is rated PG, but due to its explicit LGBTQ+ themes, instances of fantasy violence including serious injury and implied suicide, and themes of societal prejudice against those who are different, a recommended age of 10-12 and older with strong parental guidance is appropriate. Younger children may find some scenes and themes too intense or complex.
Additional Notes
Parents should be aware that the film's core themes of identity, acceptance, and challenging oppressive systems are interwoven with its LGBTQ+ representation and allegorical messaging regarding gender identity, which are central to the story and character development.
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