A love story is where two different people meet and learn about each other. Their differences, their likes, the things that make them unique- it’s those aspects presented in a way that the viewer can’t just relate to, but understand, in a manner that touches your heart and makes a beautiful love story. Netflix’s “Nimona” is one of the best love stories I have ever experienced.

The original graphic novel by N.D. Stevenson started as a webcomic I saw on Tumblr in 2015 as a reblog. The near decade journey to a full length film has changed some aspects and I will be honest. I’m not the one to do a comparison between the beautifully drawn comic to the 3D anime visual feast that the film is. So I won’t even try.

But I can say you can purchase the comic on Amazon and in bookstores. The film is flushed with color; even in the darkest emotional moments there is never just black and white, shades of gray, green, and reds dance along the screen. The visuals do a fantastic job of conveying what you should be feeling. The title character Nimona (Chloe Grace Moretz)’s vibrant pink hair is an indication of the same, which is clearly her choice as Nimona can literally become anything she wants, for however long she wants. Something that shouldn’t be threatening, but when you tailor it with the brigand style clothing and stout body, she wears for most of the film, it’s clear she wants it to appear as a threat.

In a beautifully crafted world of futuristic and medieval society though, she’s less of a threat and more of an alternative norm. There are knights, kings, queens, peasants, and as a viewer you are left to assume why people dress alternatively in the style of olden days and modern clothing. The diverse style of dress versus the plethora of people that populate the film is a treat to see and “Blue Sky Productions” should be applauded for their work on this film.

The romance between the betrayed “dark” knight Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) and Ambroisus Goldenloin (Eugene Lee Yang) is present, but the way the film makes that it a part of the story and not the cornerstone that the plot centered is on. It is really remarkable. Both men belong to different classes (yes class systems exist in the future but they aren’t heavily acknowledged as the film moves at a breakneck pace and doesn’t linger often on the background of the society) and yet it seems as if in the future their style of loving each other is normal. Their story is a large part of “Nimona” while never being the sole focus, which was very nice.

The plot of the film is quite classic- of a knight who is betrayed and ostracized by the society that once loved him; they now hunt and hate him. The man he loved in secret has turned against him. His only support comes in the form of a woman intent on turning him into the very villain he claims not to be. While the true villains exist not too far away stoking the fires of hate and striving to keep the peace that exists between the ignorant and the unknown; kept apart by a large wall that acts as a gate separating the kingdom from the beautiful world that exists beyond it. The reason why I assume the world beyond the wall is beautiful is that it is the place that Nimona comes from. A world where people with open minds and tender hearts live. Unfortunately, Nimona is not out there but here in this kingdom that has lived for centuries based on the belief they have created- one where a knight had slain a monster, that threatened to destroy the kingdom.

Without adding any spoilers, the movie pegs the important question of “What is a monster?”. Is it something or someone who is unlike everyone else? Is the reason we hate what we do not understand a reason to hurt and kill the thing that was created from our own illogical ignorance?

As Ballister interacts with Nimona, you watch his fear and ignorance change as she challenges his preconceived notions about her and everyone, unlike him. The script is written in such a tongue in cheek natural tone that everything he utters feels right when faced with a woman who becomes a pink rhinoceros or a shark. Nimona takes his small-minded approach in stride as against someone in her position would. But she also relays her dislike for his rude comments. I found myself snapping my fingers and clapping along to her responses.

A major highlight in this movie is the action; we’re talking about “Pirates of the Caribbean” level sword fights, with zingers, one liner, that keep you both entertained and laughing along with the characters as they commit “metal” acts of violence all over the kingdom. I was never once bored watching the pair as they simply exist; their version is well written and cynically comments on the world and people around them. The music is another reason to enjoy this film. There is a scene that had me screaming as a thirty-six year old who loves indie music. “Gold Gun Girls” by Metric is the song played while Nimona and Ballister celebrate a win and you watch the answer to the question “Can a Shark Dance”.

Well written and appropriately dubbed, the film has a very poignant story that makes sure to tug at your heartstrings as it gets to the perfect ending, leaving room for a sequel. This was indeed very satisfying.

Rating- 5 out of 5

Streaming on- Netflix