Nimona is a gem of a movie that hits all the right marks.

• Fast-paced
• Funny
• Fantastic morality story (unless you’re homophobic, and then maybe not so much.)
• Fun antics for young kids
• Lots of subtle jokes for adults

What more can you ask for? Oh, right. Really good voice acting by Chloë Grace Moretz (Nimona) and Riz Ahmed (Ballister)

Character Dynamics

The chemistry between Chloë Grace Moretz’s Nimona and Riz Ahmed’s Ballister drives the story. Moretz brings a perfect blend of chaos and vulnerability to Nimona, while Ahmed makes Ballister’s journey from dedicated knight to questioning rebel feel genuine. Their unlikely friendship forms the emotional core of the film, challenging assumptions about heroes, villains, and the labels society puts on people.

Visual Innovation

The animation style is a refreshing departure from what we typically see in mainstream animated films. It blends medieval aesthetics with sci-fi elements, creating a unique world that feels both familiar and fresh. The shape-shifting sequences for Nimona are particularly impressive, managing to be both technically spectacular and emotionally resonant.

Themes and Social Commentary

The movie works perfectly as an entertaining adventure but is also a powerful allegory about acceptance and challenging societal norms. The story tackles prejudice and institutional power in ways that feel natural rather than preachy. It’s rare to find a family film that handles complex themes with such nuance while remaining thoroughly entertaining for all ages.

Multi-layered Entertainment

The film’s humor works on multiple levels – physical comedy and silly antics for younger viewers, alongside clever wordplay and satirical commentary for adults. The pacing is particularly impressive, managing to keep the energy high without sacrificing character development or emotional depth.

Grade: A+

At RottenTomatoes, Nimina has a 92% critics rating and a 90% audience rating.

PG (Thematic Elements|Some Language|Rude Humor|Violence and Action)
1 hour 41 minutes

For Fans Of

• How to Train Your Dragon – For its themes of friendship across boundaries
• The Mitchells vs. The Machines – For its creative animation and modern sensibilities
• The Wild Robot – For its similar themes of questioning authority and acceptance
• The Dragon Prince – For its blend of fantasy and progressive storytelling