To me, one of the biggest details about this movie is that Ballister saved Nimona from herself at the end. He didn't save her from some big bad, he stopped her from ending her own life.
Fun Fact: The credits for the film has an entire section dedicated to everyone that has worked at Blue Sky, complete with Nimona shapeshifting into a squirrel. (Like their mascot, Scrat.) A bittersweet, but great note to end on. I'm glad they got the last laugh against Disney.
That final guttural cry from Nimona when she’s in her final monster form, that was something you really Feel. Gets me every time. Edit: for those unaware, the comic this was adapted from was written by ND Stevenson, a trans creator
That scream was brilliantly designed bc if you heard that scream without context or you were told she was evil beforehand, it would sound like your standard godzilla scream. But if you know what's happening, elements of the sound mixing stand out differently, and all you hear is terrible pain.
"the monster was people all along" No, the monster is prejudice. The monster is being taught as a child to hate and to bash all that is different, the monster is the violence and the extremes to which this reaches, the monster is the complacency of those who see and know this is wrong, adn do nothing about it. The monster is prejudice, and how it becomes a system, this movie isn't shy or unclear about it, and that's another reason as to why I love it
I love that this movie is just vague enough that it can apply to any prejudice too. Like, it's very, very obviously a lesson on accepting transgender people, but it can also apply to accepting any range of people outcast by society be it other LGBT people, or people of different ethnicities, or people just a little bit weirder than others. This movie is such an absolute work of art and is a message this world needs so, so, SO badly. Especially right now.
"Kids.. Little kids. They grow up believing that they can be hero if they drive a sword into the heart of anything different.. and I"M the monster?" is such a relevant line to our current landscape. If all you do is point fingers at others, no one will point the finger at you
I honestly think the last part works VERY differently in practice: If all one does is point fingers at others, it will 'justify' (or at least motivate) others to point fingers back at them... People often seem surprised when they face backlash from those they put down, yet insist on doubling-down on their hatred instead of looking in a damn mirror. This doesn't apply to every conflict but I can certainly think of several (personal, societal, and international) involving this hypocrisy.
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE FOR MONTHS, LET'S GOOOOOOO!!! I was seriously considering flying out to America just to tell these guys to watch the damn movie, IT'S HERE!
The moment Ballister told Nimona that he sees her, I actually started sobbing. I got emotional a couple times before then, but that was the line that broke me. I'd kill to be told that by the people I used to trust.
For what it’s worth, I see you. I hope you have people in your life who you can trust now. If you don’t, I know how hard it can be, having felt like no one cared at one point myself, but there are people out there who will care and who you can trust. People who will see you like Ballister saw Nimona. You’re not alone ❤
Omg stop. I’ve been hoping we would get a Nimona video! I sob every time we get to the end. My 6 yr old asked why she turned into a monster at the end and I told her “The sadness she felt on the inside from being rejected and hurt wrapped around her outside and made her look scary. She had such big feelings that she couldn’t hold them inside anymore.” 🥺 This movie is such an amazing gem full of funny and heartbreak and it’s just so so good.
Important to note, when Nimona’s going for the sword at the end, she’s not attacking anything except for that one screen showing that commercial. Other than that, the only destruction occurring is a result of the knights’ REACTION to her. She only destroys parts of the town bc she’s getting knocked back by their attacks
Yeeesss! I love this detail. And everyone around is absolutely LOSING THEIR MINDS as if she's on a violent rampage, but she's literally just WALKING down the street. Except for, like you said, the commercial.
Another movie that helped me out of the darkest 3 months of my life and made me realize I wasnt really alone, reacted to the two still motivating me to finish college to be a child therapist... Thank you both for reacting to Nimona. :)
Annapurna definitely did Blue Sky justice. I'm so glad this film got a second chance and had so many thought provoking messages. Big metaphors/analogies to fearmongering and propaganda against minorities, using fear to control, the victors writing the history books, use of excessive force, maintaining tradition/the status quo at all costs, gaslighting, and hiding the parts of yourself that aren’t "normal" enough for others’ comfort, among others. It’s pretty spectacular.
Alan called out hearing Chloe's voice inside the Kaiju scream- one of my fave sound design details in this film during the Kaiju fight is any characters percieving Nimona from the outside hear the monster sound design first, but when we shift to Ballister's perspective (someone who took the time to know her) chasing Nimona through the streets, he hears Nimona's human voice first before the monster sounds cuts in to blend
Thank you thank you thank you!! This is so representative not just of the LGBT+ representation but also discrimination against disabled people or those who are considered different. It really stuck with me because I am both bisexual and disabled and I’ve also dealt with isolation and ridicule like Ballister and Nimona have. I’ve had dangerous thoughts but then I realized how lucky I was to have such a supportive family and friend group. I know there are people out there who don’t and to those people: you’re not alone. ❤ You’re seen 💜
That final hug between Balister and Nimona, when she is trying to stand but is just so emotionally exhausted and visiblely physically injured, and she tries to walk to Balister but just collapses into his arms as he rushes in to catch her❤ 🥹 those few seconds have done something to my brain, and I'm not sorry about it. I need a hug now 🫂
I’ve been following this creator since I was in middle school and got the Nimona book as a gift - the creator has changed my life in more ways than one. I didn’t know a lot of things about myself at that time, but looking back I now know that I kept rereading Nimona for a reason. Nimona was basically with me throughout my journey of discovering my gender identity and what it all means to me to be me. The first scene you covered with Ballister and Nimona was really important to me. The scene basically prepared me for how my loved ones could’ve reacted to me coming out - confusion, defensiveness, trying their best to understand but questions feeling more like insults, etc. The whole story was basically helping me understand before I even knew what there was to learn about myself. And throughout the story, seeing Ballister not only learn to accept Nimona, but to also defend her even against his own loved ones - every time I’ve read the book and watched the movie, I can’t help but just feel that kind of love that Ballister has for Nimona. Thank you so much you guys for covering this amazing and loving story ❤
Fun Fact!!! Eugene Lee Yang from the Try Guys is the voice of Ambrosius!! He worked specifically as a VA on this movie and helped with it due to the message of the movie and how he related to it!!
Nimona was easily the best animated movie of 2023. When she tried to take herself out and she lets out that agonizing scream, I just broke down. Thank you so much for covering this, Internet Dads! 🥺😊
Nimona is obviously a trans allegory, but it also works with other communities. For example, I'm autistic and so is my oldest son. Would it be "easier" if we just pretended to be neurotypical? Yes, for neurotypical people, but it's actually hard for autistic people to mask and pretend to be neurotypical. So we'll continue being our neurodiverse selves and it's up to other people to accept us for who we are - not to force us to pretend to be someone else to make things easier for them.
I am a 35 years old grown a** man, but I am not afraid to admit that I cried both times I watched this movie. It is sooo incredibly powerful, while being fun and unforgettable. ❤
THANK YOU for covering this movie, I requested it in some of the comments! I love this movie so much not only cause of its wonderful world concept, its shapeshifter main character but the deep cut topics like labels and unaliving thoughts, something that i think needs to be talked about more. When you call someone a monster, that's what they'll be, and they'll never get a chance to change cause that labeling convinced themselves they would never amount to anything more.
9:25 this part had me crying. When I first watched this film I wondered why I connected to this character do much. Then I realized, she is an amazing representation of teenage girls who went through trauma. Obviously she doesn't represent all of us, but she really is how I and so many of the teenage girls I knew acted. Love this character
One of the most powerful lines on this film for me was when ambrocious was confronting the director and said "And what if we're wrong? What if we've always been wrong?". Such a simple concept to understand but many people don't even give it thought, they are so invested in what their perception of "what's right" is that they don't even stop to think about the damage they're doing. They shield themselves by saying they're right, but what if they're not? if there was the slightest chance that they're wrong, then how could they justify doing so much damage to those that are different? This hits specially hard when you were one of those kids that were taught so many many awful things, so many awful beliefs rooted in hatred for things we didn't even try to understand, and with time you come to realize how much damage you've done, and start to wonder if it would be worth it even if you were right...
Thank you for this episode. I saw Nimona twice: once I watched it by myself and was thrilled, the second time I showed it to my best friends, and they focused on the plot holes of the movie (there were quite a lot of plot holes, tbh) and totally ignored the emotional part. While they were tearing the movie to shreds, I was sitting there, numb, feeling lost and alone. So Nimona got some troubling memories for me. But you reminded me why I loved this movie in the first place - its energy, comedy and total emotional vulnerability. Thank you for bringing it back.
Some people you can't watch movies with. They will be negative for the sake of being negative. Yeah, it has plot holes, most films do. I have a BIL and he is so negative when the family watches a show or movie together.
It is also ok to love what you love, and some things you get to keep for yourself. Screw 'em. This is yours and you can delight in it. And, you are definitely not alone in your love of it.
@@TheLisaBronstein oof, my condolences on having friends who are impossible to watch movies with. The Sins effect strikes again, alas. At least now you can reclaim your love of this movie tbh.
I haven't seen this mentioned yet but this was based on a comic series by ND Stevenson and was his way of exploring his identity, which came to embody a gender transition which is why Nimona is a shapeshifter and speaks in such allegorical tones that hint at this journey. ND is also the one who spearheaded the reboot of SheRa which has become one of the most recent LGBTQIA+, neurospicy and disability representative stories in animation which we also see in Nimona. ND's work is worth checking out, both the original comic (which has a lot of differences, but holds true to the same narrative heartbeats) and SheRa. He's a wonderful writer and storyteller and all the things you complimented about BlueSky and the director also belong to and should be given credit towards ND for his pivotal influence and personal journey that shaped this story from the ground up. I hope in years ahead we get to look back and see this film as one of the pieces of media and storytelling that had a positive influence on people in our real world the way it did on Ballister, so that everyone gets to safely and happily be who they are. 💜🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈💜
Im so glad you guys covered this movie. Idk 100% if this movie was meant to be a metaphor for gender identity, but i interpretted it that way. As someone whos nonbinary, Nimona was portrayed PERFECTLY. Even the subtle comments of confusion from Ballister where hes like "how did you end up like this?" "Cant you just be a normal girl?" its something you hear so often as an nb person. I understand why people may not completely understand it, but its just one of those things that really makes you feel a divide with others. Like it creates the idea of a "you" and a "them". Which can be very isolating to experience. So its refreshing for that to be the crux of the story [metaphorically speaking] And Ballister vocalising it so directly "I see you, and youre not alone".
To answer your question, yes, it is about Gender Identity and especially LGBTQIA+ identities. Nimona is based on a graphic novel made by Nate Stevenson, a Trans Masc person who created She-Ra. It was 100% intentional that Nimona is Trans coded. Also, Nate wrote Nimona during a time he was struggling with his gender dysphoria and before he knew he was Trans. Nimona was a character he put a lot of his feelings as a Trans person in while writing. There is even a Trans flag visible in one shot behind Nimona when she talks about how not shifting means she wouldn't be living. The arrow scene basically. So yeah, you are 100% correct!
I absolutely loved this movie! Queer representation, great acting, and a compelling story that actually had me crying at the end. Nimona is such an amazing character, and I related to her alot. ^^
I desperately need a physical copy of this movie. Like, it should be a crime for a movie to be this good, but unable to be in my physical movie collection. Let me give you my money, Netflix!!!!
Nimona!!! Absolutely love this film for existing! Having a Trans/Non-Binary/gender nonconforming hero/ine as a lead protagonist is ~incredibly~ groundbreaking. And very MATAL.🤘 From what I know, it helped the creator (Stevenson?) explore their own journey as Trans/Non-Binary. Ironically enough, this eventually helped me discover & settle into my DemiGirl/Semi-Non-Binary existence. Thankful & appreciative for it.☺️ Also, this whole adventure is very adaptable into a D&D Campaign.😁👍✨
To have a theme as strong as wishing you were dead because you don't fit in to the society you are a part of is one of the bravest things to do in what is still family film. Nimona is such a beautiful film and I was very surprised by it, thank you for touching on it and talking about it.
I have the Nimona graphic novel and there is something to be said about the creator's mindspace when comparing both, I'm glad that they seem to be in a brighter place
I'm actually so happy that people love the movie as much as I do, cause in high school, I read the graphic novel it was based on. So, to see it be made into something different but equally amazing makes me so happy.
Something we all need in this world is acceptance, a feeling that someone sees us for who we are and accepts us it gives validation and a feeling of it's okay to be who you are and this movie does an amazing job of showing that. This movie also has probably my favorite showing of a gay couple, it's not in your face or a huge deal or a main part of the characters, they just are and a pretty sweet one at that, more so in the beginning but they bring it back around.
Can you please do a couples therapy between Ballister and Ambrosius there are so many layers between them as characters and their relationship when shit hits the fan.
Huge endorsement of this! Ballister and Ambrosius are such a great example of two characters who deeply care about one another from start to finish of the story, but who are pulled apart by the circumstances.
For the one who doesn't know, Nimona is also a pretty explicit metaphor of being trans. The author of the original comis, ND Stevenson, is trans. And being genderqueer myself, this movie does such a good job with it. Especially the scene when Bal asks her if she would die if she wouldn't shift and Nimona says that she wouldn't die, but she certainely wouldn't live. I felt that.
In that scene, right as she says that line, the transgender pride colours (white pink blue) are very clearly visible in the background. You can see it in this video at 18:09 .
This movie is a great example of that one quote “A child not embraced by the village, will burn it down to feel it’s warmth” Also I love that you guys are reviewing this movie. I had a feeling you would :).
6:58 In real life there are so many Ballisters who think they're being "accepting" and "progressive" whilst doing the bare minimum. What has Ballister done for Nimona at this point in the movie that no one else has done? He hasn't killed her (not for lack of trying) and he's allowed her to help him. And that's basically it. He considers himself "accepting" for that. Nimona knows it's bullshit because he doesn't accept her being a shapeshifter yet. She also knows that this is the best she's got at the moment. It's sad. It's also very real.
This is one of my absolute favorite movies that's come out recently. It makes me ugly cry just during this review. It's gorgeous, it's poignant, it's symbolic of so many relatable things. I'm not trans, but I'm isolated alone, and it's just a gorgeous exploration of survival, hope, friendship. Ugh, I love this movie so much.
YAAAAAAAAS NIMONA IS A FANTASTIC MOVIE!! I introduced my adopted family to Cinema Therapy about a month ago. We watched this movie some point last year. We were hoping that you would do one for Nimona and I am so glad you did!! You guys are fantastic and I hope you have a spectacular day!!!
22:44 RE: Tonal disparity - I think it totally makes sense here. I don't know what it would mean in psychology terms. But as someone that identifies a lot with Nimona, that jumping from highs to lows is totally accurate. Part of it is performative and social. It's living such a terrible reality while also wanting to connect, and so needing to mask (what would be a socially unsavory reality to others) with humor. Making yourself digestible, while balancing your own craving for honest connection. Like involuntarily starving yourself and learning to live with the hunger pangs, and then the people you finally meet wonder why you're just so ravenous.
19:15 I think it's really important that we also hear a lot of *Ballister's* voice as she breaks down. He wasn't trying to be cruel, but it shows the damage we can do even unintentionally. I think back to Zootopia and the part where Judy and Nick separate after the comments she makes to the public. It's not just about not being part of the problem, but in coming to really understand people and be part of the solution. It inspires me to be less callous and "small minded" with my questions. To treat people like people. There's many minority groups now that growing up I was sheltered from any knowledge of. It's not their job to answer every little question I have. It's not their job to have to defend their own existence to me. I have the internet and resources that I can educate myself. And when they talk to me, I can listen. I can learn.
The stuff you were saying about the names and the animation style and stuff goes back to the fact that this is from/originally a graphic novel/webcomic on Tublr. Ballister Blackheart in the book has been an actual villain for years and there are other completelly different plot things. But I thought you might enjoy looking at the connection between the comic and the movie's animation styles.
Something important about Nimona is that it doesn't dumb down, euphemize, or turn into a metaphor the things it's talking about. There's an obsession with making "heavy" topics like S-----e ideation or even more complex like police violence "palatable," to young audiences when these topics come up (see: zootopia). But the fact is that children struggle with them, and their struggles don't come with an age appropriate understanding. The only people it's upsetting to, to see a child on screen struggle with these things, are the adults who've projected an innocence onto children that those children will never live up to. For me as a child one of the most important examples of this was Lilo and Stitch
Im so happy we got therapist to NIMONA because I really needed this movie when it came out... But you what this means we gotta get Couples Therapy Ballistor x Ambrosius 😊
This instantly became my favorite movie when I first watched it, not only for its hilarious writing and animation, but also it captured the concept of wanting to be accepted beautifully, and I relate to Nimona so much. This is such a great film! ❤
I am so glad you guys finally did this movie. I was wondering if you had any commentary on Nimona's character as an trans/non-binary and bipolar allegory.
Okay, hear me out: I'm not a fan of streaming platforms due to how easily they can pull away something one loves, like a show with lesser audience or a movie that no longer brings in views, so I'm not subscribed to Disney+, or Netflix, or (insert the other 10+ other platform names here). So I saw Nimona when Netflix had its "for your consideration" campaign last year for this year's Oscars, by posting the movie to TH-cam for a few days and letting everyone get to watch it. And I was blown away. Love it, amazing film. Now, another Netflix movie, The Mitchells vs. The Machines, ended up getting a physical media release later on, I got that DVD and it's still on the shelf. (Since I'm not big on streaming platforms, you can imagine I prefer physical media.) Yet another movie I love. I swear, I would buy a DVD of Nimona in a heartbeat if it was ever made available. Make it happen, Netflix!
THEY'RE DOING IT!!!!!!!! I've been hoping y'all would react to this! Nimona is my favorite movie of all time, I cried like a freaking baby during That Flashback sequence. Yes, I'm trans. How did you guess lol.
as a genderfluid person, the subway scene was so important. "it would be easier if you were a girl" "not everyone is as accepting as me" these are things people say to lgbt kids all the time. And the obvious metaphor for gender with her shapeshifting is pretty on the nose but also makes her so relatable. For CIS-Straight people she has an arc to become heroic, but this scene makes her heroic to LGBT people from the beginning. the fact that she refuses to compromise who she is for normalcy sake is already a heroic trait. She's already inspiring to some of us from the early scenes just for that. It reminds me of a quote from Blood Blockade Battlefront. "Even if I am faced with a thousand setbacks, it does not serve as an excuse to change the way I choose to live my life."
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for finally reviewing this!!!!!! Omg, I have been waiting on edge to see this episode!!! The part of Ballister physically touching Nimona's core, her heart, connecting with her as he says "I see you. And you are not alone." Tears me up every time. He meets her where she is, he doesnt try to change her or tell her "Hey, bestie, cheer up, itll all get better!" he meets her in her darkness and embraces and sits with her like she is and embraces and continues to sit with her and reassure her shes not alone even after she has stepped off that ledge. Such a master piece.
Thank you for calling this an important movie (not in those words but the sentiment was there at the end) And thank you for covering it.. This movie covers so many bases, touches on so many truly important themes but does it with an unbelievably soft touch and it hits so much harder because of it. I've watched a lot of reactions to this and so many of them go "You go Girl!!!" when Nimona says "I'm Nimona' to the several times she is asked "What are you?" But rather than being the "none of you business" response that so many people read it to be, the simple fact is she has this response because SHE doesn't know. We are humans, We know we are human and that is a part in the tapestry of our existence. We are male. female, somewhere in between, Gay, straight, somewhere in-between or neither. We have a good idea of what we are from all the definitions around us. But Nimona, to her knowledge is the only being of her kind. We know she is at least 1000 years old she could easily be 10,000 or a million or has existed for ever (for what ever that means). We also know we have never seen her original or default form. The earliest we see her (the true well scene) she comes into shot mid transform and becomes the small bird. We never see what she was before that. Even the Little girl form was an instinctive reaction to seeing Gloreth and another attempt to fit in and failing. For all we know She could simply be a being of pure energy that can conjure forms from thin air (it was explained in the comic that she destroys the current one and immediately creates the next neatly sidestepping the conservation of mass problem !!) The point is she doesn't KNOW what she is. She doesn't KNOW what 'wrong' with her. Nothing is wrong with her, obviously, but that doesn't help you when nothing you do or try seems to work... I found me self resonating with this very strongly. I self diagnosed with autism at the late age of 50 (several professionals have since confirmed this in casual conversation. Me:" Do you think I might be Autistic" Them "Well, DUH!" ) For most of my life I've not fit in. I found I could not make social satiations work as they were meant to. I'd follow the rules (as I could discern them) but Id fail and be shunned, called names, stuffed through hedges, beat up, lose friends (especially when it came to intimate relationships) Then I realised I was most likely Autistic and everything just fell in to place. It explained pretty much every awkward failure after failure. Explained why nothing worked right. It was a revelation.. Nimona is in a similar boat because she has no clue what or why she is like she is. Never even encountering anything remotely similar. It's why she reacts the way she does because the " I am what I am" answer is the only defence she has. And while self acceptance, which is the result of " I am what I am" is a good thing Nimona is not there, nor can she be till she gets some answers or society stops literally demonising her.
This movie means so much to me. I remember reading it online when it was a free webcomic, and I’m just so proud of everyone who worked on it and took chances on it to get to the screen. It’s an excellent adaption, and I love how it’s grown into this latest form.
I know you giggled pointing out that the camera moved around him to show he's changing perspective, but pointing out that kind of detail is actually very fun and informative! I appreciated it very much.
The coverage on Nimona is peak greatness and good timing because today is my birthday. Overall, great analysis as always and I can't wait for the next one.
Icry every time she says that line " I dont know whats scarier, the fact everyone wants to run a sword through my heart, or that sometimes I want to let them " it's strikes me as a queer person ( specific bi and a trans woman ) because I just want to be loved and accepted for who I am, but knowing I have to be secretive with some people, not tell them who I really am or they might freak out on the mild end to get violent on the worse end or that any time I even talk online I have a significant chance of some jack ass harrassing me, doxing me, or any number of other things, it terrifies me to no end, and sometimes I do just want it to end, idk how well I could manage it without the fact I do have great friends, and an amazing boyfriend, even with all that some days it does feel to overwhelming to take, so this movie cuts deep and it's so cool to see you guys react to it.
Thank you for finally watching this movie! It had me laughing my ass off one moment and had me in tears the next Everything from the story to the animation to the acting is SO well done and it is very clear that this is a labor of love from everyone involved!
It was through a lifetime of chaos and trauma and pain that I finally came to understand peace. Not that I don't feel those things, but they don't rule me. And a LOT of that came from the support of some truly extraordinary people. If I can leave one legacy at the end of what I hope is going to be a sort of disrespectfully long life, I hope it's the legacy of that same kind of support. Love y'all. Take good care of yourselves.
I heard somewhere once that "tradition is peer pressure from dead people" and dammit, I can’t help but agree. Using tradition as a basis for anything legal has never sat well with me, because it spits in the face of progress and often tramples the rights of others.
You guys should check out Invincible if you haven't already in your own time for the Psychology of a Hero/Villain series! Not only do we have the most gut wrenching trauma for our main character to deal with ever, but he keeps getting back up because he is Invincible, but we also have an interesting psychological take from the main villain which i don't think has been talked about on your show yet, and that is effectively breaking free from long-term behavioural conditioning. It's a pretty interesting dichotomy, and deconstruction of the superhero genre. Or just look at the main character's mum, and her descent into alcoholism for her trauma. Because she has to be one of the most heroic characters in a show full of superheroes.
Some folks asked me why us trans folks latch onto this movie so hard. It's not Nimona's identity that hits home, it's how she's treated. We get some of the most vile shit thrown at us daily, just existing is enough of a reason for someone who hates to want us dead and worst case scenario, if given the chance, they'll do it. We're human, we just want to exist, we want to have a job, a home, to be surrounded with loved ones, family, we aren't all that different at all. The scene in the train when Ballister 'suggests' it's be 'easier if you were a girl' is something a lot of trans and non-binary folks hear aaaaall the time and it's always excused with 'it's safer' or 'others aren't as accepting as me' and all it is is looking away from an uncomfortable topic and you're not actually helping us. The reason why so many of us are so outspoken, aggressive, violent in our reactions, in our emotions, is because to a lot of people we will NEVER be enough, we will NEVER fit in and be accepted, we're all just 'dirty queers' at the end of the day so why not just, fight back and throw a couple punches of our own? It's a cycle of being told we're not worthy of love, of life and fighting back as much as we can because some of us just, give up sadly and those lives lost should not be in vain. THAT is why Nimona resonates with us.
Credit where it's due - you left out the creator, ND Stevenson, who created Nimona as a webcomic before they came out as Trans. ND Stevenson has a beautiful, expressive mind, and the art they create is valuable and powerful - without them, Nimona and her message doesn't exist. ;)
To me, one of the biggest details about this movie is that Ballister saved Nimona from herself at the end. He didn't save her from some big bad, he stopped her from ending her own life.
Fun Fact: The credits for the film has an entire section dedicated to everyone that has worked at Blue Sky, complete with Nimona shapeshifting into a squirrel. (Like their mascot, Scrat.) A bittersweet, but great note to end on. I'm glad they got the last laugh against Disney.
That final guttural cry from Nimona when she’s in her final monster form, that was something you really Feel. Gets me every time. Edit: for those unaware, the comic this was adapted from was written by ND Stevenson, a trans creator
That scream was brilliantly designed bc if you heard that scream without context or you were told she was evil beforehand, it would sound like your standard godzilla scream. But if you know what's happening, elements of the sound mixing stand out differently, and all you hear is terrible pain.
"the monster was people all along" No, the monster is prejudice. The monster is being taught as a child to hate and to bash all that is different, the monster is the violence and the extremes to which this reaches, the monster is the complacency of those who see and know this is wrong, adn do nothing about it. The monster is prejudice, and how it becomes a system, this movie isn't shy or unclear about it, and that's another reason as to why I love it
I love that this movie is just vague enough that it can apply to any prejudice too. Like, it's very, very obviously a lesson on accepting transgender people, but it can also apply to accepting any range of people outcast by society be it other LGBT people, or people of different ethnicities, or people just a little bit weirder than others. This movie is such an absolute work of art and is a message this world needs so, so, SO badly. Especially right now.
And people... prejudice and people. :p Trust me, I live in fascist Hungary, people can absolutely be monsters.
💯💯
"Kids.. Little kids. They grow up believing that they can be hero if they drive a sword into the heart of anything different.. and I"M the monster?" is such a relevant line to our current landscape. If all you do is point fingers at others, no one will point the finger at you
I honestly think the last part works VERY differently in practice:
If all one does is point fingers at others, it will 'justify' (or at least motivate) others to point fingers back at them... People often seem surprised when they face backlash from those they put down, yet insist on doubling-down on their hatred instead of looking in a damn mirror.
This doesn't apply to every conflict but I can certainly think of several (personal, societal, and international) involving this hypocrisy.
FINALLY! I'm so glad you're discussing this movie!
Great movie! Hope you enjoy the video. :)
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE FOR MONTHS, LET'S GOOOOOOO!!! I was seriously considering flying out to America just to tell these guys to watch the damn movie, IT'S HERE!
a bug's life the screw up everyone bias against you even when you have good ideas. Just the source
Woooo
The moment Ballister told Nimona that he sees her, I actually started sobbing. I got emotional a couple times before then, but that was the line that broke me. I'd kill to be told that by the people I used to trust.
For what it’s worth, I see you. I hope you have people in your life who you can trust now. If you don’t, I know how hard it can be, having felt like no one cared at one point myself, but there are people out there who will care and who you can trust. People who will see you like Ballister saw Nimona. You’re not alone ❤
Omg stop. I’ve been hoping we would get a Nimona video! I sob every time we get to the end. My 6 yr old asked why she turned into a monster at the end and I told her “The sadness she felt on the inside from being rejected and hurt wrapped around her outside and made her look scary. She had such big feelings that she couldn’t hold them inside anymore.” 🥺 This movie is such an amazing gem full of funny and heartbreak and it’s just so so good.
Okay genuinely, what a brilliant way to explain that to a 6yo
Important to note, when Nimona’s going for the sword at the end, she’s not attacking anything except for that one screen showing that commercial. Other than that, the only destruction occurring is a result of the knights’ REACTION to her. She only destroys parts of the town bc she’s getting knocked back by their attacks
Yeeesss! I love this detail. And everyone around is absolutely LOSING THEIR MINDS as if she's on a violent rampage, but she's literally just WALKING down the street. Except for, like you said, the commercial.
Another movie that helped me out of the darkest 3 months of my life and made me realize I wasnt really alone, reacted to the two still motivating me to finish college to be a child therapist... Thank you both for reacting to Nimona. :)
We're wishing you the best!!
Annapurna definitely did Blue Sky justice. I'm so glad this film got a second chance and had so many thought provoking messages. Big metaphors/analogies to fearmongering and propaganda against minorities, using fear to control, the victors writing the history books, use of excessive force, maintaining tradition/the status quo at all costs, gaslighting, and hiding the parts of yourself that aren’t "normal" enough for others’ comfort, among others. It’s pretty spectacular.
Alan called out hearing Chloe's voice inside the Kaiju scream- one of my fave sound design details in this film during the Kaiju fight is any characters percieving Nimona from the outside hear the monster sound design first, but when we shift to Ballister's perspective (someone who took the time to know her) chasing Nimona through the streets, he hears Nimona's human voice first before the monster sounds cuts in to blend
Thank you thank you thank you!! This is so representative not just of the LGBT+ representation but also discrimination against disabled people or those who are considered different. It really stuck with me because I am both bisexual and disabled and I’ve also dealt with isolation and ridicule like Ballister and Nimona have. I’ve had dangerous thoughts but then I realized how lucky I was to have such a supportive family and friend group. I know there are people out there who don’t and to those people: you’re not alone. ❤ You’re seen 💜
Bi, enby, and part of a system here. I'm right there with you! 💜
@@covensys 💗💜💖💕 You matter, my dear
As someone who’s autistic, genderqueer, pan, Demi, and polyamorous, I definitely relate to Nimona on a personal level
@@savannahthefangirlyt8884 💝💞🧡💛💚💙 You are amazing
That final hug between Balister and Nimona, when she is trying to stand but is just so emotionally exhausted and visiblely physically injured, and she tries to walk to Balister but just collapses into his arms as he rushes in to catch her❤ 🥹 those few seconds have done something to my brain, and I'm not sorry about it. I need a hug now 🫂
I’ve been following this creator since I was in middle school and got the Nimona book as a gift - the creator has changed my life in more ways than one. I didn’t know a lot of things about myself at that time, but looking back I now know that I kept rereading Nimona for a reason. Nimona was basically with me throughout my journey of discovering my gender identity and what it all means to me to be me.
The first scene you covered with Ballister and Nimona was really important to me. The scene basically prepared me for how my loved ones could’ve reacted to me coming out - confusion, defensiveness, trying their best to understand but questions feeling more like insults, etc. The whole story was basically helping me understand before I even knew what there was to learn about myself. And throughout the story, seeing Ballister not only learn to accept Nimona, but to also defend her even against his own loved ones - every time I’ve read the book and watched the movie, I can’t help but just feel that kind of love that Ballister has for Nimona.
Thank you so much you guys for covering this amazing and loving story ❤
Fun Fact!!! Eugene Lee Yang from the Try Guys is the voice of Ambrosius!! He worked specifically as a VA on this movie and helped with it due to the message of the movie and how he related to it!!
and the character designer / visual development team based the character design off of him when they decided to make Ambrosius look East Asian!
Nimona was easily the best animated movie of 2023. When she tried to take herself out and she lets out that agonizing scream, I just broke down. Thank you so much for covering this, Internet Dads! 🥺😊
*2023
@@sweetdreams1028edited. Thanks
Nimona is obviously a trans allegory, but it also works with other communities. For example, I'm autistic and so is my oldest son. Would it be "easier" if we just pretended to be neurotypical? Yes, for neurotypical people, but it's actually hard for autistic people to mask and pretend to be neurotypical. So we'll continue being our neurodiverse selves and it's up to other people to accept us for who we are - not to force us to pretend to be someone else to make things easier for them.
I am a 35 years old grown a** man, but I am not afraid to admit that I cried both times I watched this movie. It is sooo incredibly powerful, while being fun and unforgettable. ❤
Nimona Lets go! one of my favorite movies.
THANK YOU for covering this movie, I requested it in some of the comments! I love this movie so much not only cause of its wonderful world concept, its shapeshifter main character but the deep cut topics like labels and unaliving thoughts, something that i think needs to be talked about more. When you call someone a monster, that's what they'll be, and they'll never get a chance to change cause that labeling convinced themselves they would never amount to anything more.
Thanks for being one of the suggesters! And thanks for watching! :)
I need a medal for performing the fastest click in the wild west. I loved the animation for this film!
9:25 this part had me crying. When I first watched this film I wondered why I connected to this character do much. Then I realized, she is an amazing representation of teenage girls who went through trauma. Obviously she doesn't represent all of us, but she really is how I and so many of the teenage girls I knew acted. Love this character
Possibly my favorite movie of all time, it's amazing to see a liscenced therapist react to it
One of the most powerful lines on this film for me was when ambrocious was confronting the director and said "And what if we're wrong? What if we've always been wrong?". Such a simple concept to understand but many people don't even give it thought, they are so invested in what their perception of "what's right" is that they don't even stop to think about the damage they're doing. They shield themselves by saying they're right, but what if they're not? if there was the slightest chance that they're wrong, then how could they justify doing so much damage to those that are different?
This hits specially hard when you were one of those kids that were taught so many many awful things, so many awful beliefs rooted in hatred for things we didn't even try to understand, and with time you come to realize how much damage you've done, and start to wonder if it would be worth it even if you were right...
Thank you for this episode. I saw Nimona twice: once I watched it by myself and was thrilled, the second time I showed it to my best friends, and they focused on the plot holes of the movie (there were quite a lot of plot holes, tbh) and totally ignored the emotional part. While they were tearing the movie to shreds, I was sitting there, numb, feeling lost and alone. So Nimona got some troubling memories for me. But you reminded me why I loved this movie in the first place - its energy, comedy and total emotional vulnerability. Thank you for bringing it back.
Some people you can't watch movies with. They will be negative for the sake of being negative. Yeah, it has plot holes, most films do. I have a BIL and he is so negative when the family watches a show or movie together.
It is also ok to love what you love, and some things you get to keep for yourself. Screw 'em. This is yours and you can delight in it. And, you are definitely not alone in your love of it.
@@TheLisaBronstein oof, my condolences on having friends who are impossible to watch movies with. The Sins effect strikes again, alas. At least now you can reclaim your love of this movie tbh.
This movie is so excellent and surpassed all of my expectations. I really loved it, and Nimona was such a genderqueer icon to me.
I can totally see it
19:21 the subtitle saying "shriek of thousands of years of pain" is too real
Thank you for covering Nimona. Watched this film, sobbed, and hugged my infant the first chance I got.
Yay!!!!! You finally do this movie!!!
Finally!
I haven't seen this mentioned yet but this was based on a comic series by ND Stevenson and was his way of exploring his identity, which came to embody a gender transition which is why Nimona is a shapeshifter and speaks in such allegorical tones that hint at this journey. ND is also the one who spearheaded the reboot of SheRa which has become one of the most recent LGBTQIA+, neurospicy and disability representative stories in animation which we also see in Nimona. ND's work is worth checking out, both the original comic (which has a lot of differences, but holds true to the same narrative heartbeats) and SheRa. He's a wonderful writer and storyteller and all the things you complimented about BlueSky and the director also belong to and should be given credit towards ND for his pivotal influence and personal journey that shaped this story from the ground up. I hope in years ahead we get to look back and see this film as one of the pieces of media and storytelling that had a positive influence on people in our real world the way it did on Ballister, so that everyone gets to safely and happily be who they are. 💜🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈💜
Im so glad you guys covered this movie. Idk 100% if this movie was meant to be a metaphor for gender identity, but i interpretted it that way. As someone whos nonbinary, Nimona was portrayed PERFECTLY. Even the subtle comments of confusion from Ballister where hes like "how did you end up like this?" "Cant you just be a normal girl?" its something you hear so often as an nb person. I understand why people may not completely understand it, but its just one of those things that really makes you feel a divide with others. Like it creates the idea of a "you" and a "them". Which can be very isolating to experience. So its refreshing for that to be the crux of the story [metaphorically speaking] And Ballister vocalising it so directly "I see you, and youre not alone".
To answer your question, yes, it is about Gender Identity and especially LGBTQIA+ identities. Nimona is based on a graphic novel made by Nate Stevenson, a Trans Masc person who created She-Ra. It was 100% intentional that Nimona is Trans coded. Also, Nate wrote Nimona during a time he was struggling with his gender dysphoria and before he knew he was Trans. Nimona was a character he put a lot of his feelings as a Trans person in while writing. There is even a Trans flag visible in one shot behind Nimona when she talks about how not shifting means she wouldn't be living. The arrow scene basically. So yeah, you are 100% correct!
I absolutely loved this movie! Queer representation, great acting, and a compelling story that actually had me crying at the end. Nimona is such an amazing character, and I related to her alot. ^^
I desperately need a physical copy of this movie. Like, it should be a crime for a movie to be this good, but unable to be in my physical movie collection. Let me give you my money, Netflix!!!!
Buy the original comic! Support ND Stevenson so she can create more art like this! :D
Oops sorry - so THEY can. Wrong pronoun. >.
@@rachaelprewett9873 I already have it! I just need the movie too on DVD/Blu Ray. 😭
Nimona!!! Absolutely love this film for existing! Having a Trans/Non-Binary/gender nonconforming hero/ine as a lead protagonist is ~incredibly~ groundbreaking. And very MATAL.🤘
From what I know, it helped the creator (Stevenson?) explore their own journey as Trans/Non-Binary. Ironically enough, this eventually helped me discover & settle into my DemiGirl/Semi-Non-Binary existence. Thankful & appreciative for it.☺️
Also, this whole adventure is very adaptable into a D&D Campaign.😁👍✨
Nimona deserved the big screen!
To have a theme as strong as wishing you were dead because you don't fit in to the society you are a part of is one of the bravest things to do in what is still family film. Nimona is such a beautiful film and I was very surprised by it, thank you for touching on it and talking about it.
I have the Nimona graphic novel and there is something to be said about the creator's mindspace when comparing both, I'm glad that they seem to be in a brighter place
I'm actually so happy that people love the movie as much as I do, cause in high school, I read the graphic novel it was based on. So, to see it be made into something different but equally amazing makes me so happy.
Been waiting for this for so long!!!! So excited!!!!!
Something we all need in this world is acceptance, a feeling that someone sees us for who we are and accepts us it gives validation and a feeling of it's okay to be who you are and this movie does an amazing job of showing that.
This movie also has probably my favorite showing of a gay couple, it's not in your face or a huge deal or a main part of the characters, they just are and a pretty sweet one at that, more so in the beginning but they bring it back around.
I relate so much to Nimona as a character, in so many ways. I'm glad you enjoyed the movie so much.
This movie is kind of "What if the Iron Giant could speak full sentences and fit through doors", it's one of my favorites of all time
Can you please do a couples therapy between Ballister and Ambrosius there are so many layers between them as characters and their relationship when shit hits the fan.
Huge endorsement of this! Ballister and Ambrosius are such a great example of two characters who deeply care about one another from start to finish of the story, but who are pulled apart by the circumstances.
I needed this episode 😢 thank you for sharing 💙🙏💙
You're very welcome ❤️
For the one who doesn't know, Nimona is also a pretty explicit metaphor of being trans. The author of the original comis, ND Stevenson, is trans. And being genderqueer myself, this movie does such a good job with it. Especially the scene when Bal asks her if she would die if she wouldn't shift and Nimona says that she wouldn't die, but she certainely wouldn't live. I felt that.
In that scene, right as she says that line, the transgender pride colours (white pink blue) are very clearly visible in the background. You can see it in this video at 18:09 .
This movie is a great example of that one quote
“A child not embraced by the village, will burn it down to feel it’s warmth”
Also I love that you guys are reviewing this movie. I had a feeling you would :).
6:58 In real life there are so many Ballisters who think they're being "accepting" and "progressive" whilst doing the bare minimum. What has Ballister done for Nimona at this point in the movie that no one else has done? He hasn't killed her (not for lack of trying) and he's allowed her to help him. And that's basically it. He considers himself "accepting" for that. Nimona knows it's bullshit because he doesn't accept her being a shapeshifter yet. She also knows that this is the best she's got at the moment. It's sad. It's also very real.
Words cannot express how excited I am that y’all are covering this movie.
Couldn't have clicked any harder. This movie cause me so off guard with how fun and touching this movie was. So excited to see you finally cover it
This movie deadass saved my life im so happy you're covering it lol
This is one of my absolute favorite movies that's come out recently. It makes me ugly cry just during this review. It's gorgeous, it's poignant, it's symbolic of so many relatable things. I'm not trans, but I'm isolated alone, and it's just a gorgeous exploration of survival, hope, friendship. Ugh, I love this movie so much.
YAAAAAAAAS NIMONA IS A FANTASTIC MOVIE!!
I introduced my adopted family to Cinema Therapy about a month ago. We watched this movie some point last year.
We were hoping that you would do one for Nimona and I am so glad you did!!
You guys are fantastic and I hope you have a spectacular day!!!
So glad to see you review this movie. It's such an impactful film.
22:44 RE: Tonal disparity - I think it totally makes sense here. I don't know what it would mean in psychology terms. But as someone that identifies a lot with Nimona, that jumping from highs to lows is totally accurate. Part of it is performative and social. It's living such a terrible reality while also wanting to connect, and so needing to mask (what would be a socially unsavory reality to others) with humor. Making yourself digestible, while balancing your own craving for honest connection. Like involuntarily starving yourself and learning to live with the hunger pangs, and then the people you finally meet wonder why you're just so ravenous.
I had no idea the camera going around him also conveyed a change in perspective. Love learning film making and therapy here
Nimona is one of my favorite movies of all time, so glad y’all reviewed it!
19:15 I think it's really important that we also hear a lot of *Ballister's* voice as she breaks down. He wasn't trying to be cruel, but it shows the damage we can do even unintentionally. I think back to Zootopia and the part where Judy and Nick separate after the comments she makes to the public. It's not just about not being part of the problem, but in coming to really understand people and be part of the solution. It inspires me to be less callous and "small minded" with my questions. To treat people like people.
There's many minority groups now that growing up I was sheltered from any knowledge of. It's not their job to answer every little question I have. It's not their job to have to defend their own existence to me. I have the internet and resources that I can educate myself. And when they talk to me, I can listen. I can learn.
The ache to be loved and to belong thickly masked by sarcasm
Yep, that just about sums it up…
I enjoy your guy's content thank you for making my day
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
I was so pleasantly surprised and loved this movie! I'm so glad to see it getting the love it deserves!
The stuff you were saying about the names and the animation style and stuff goes back to the fact that this is from/originally a graphic novel/webcomic on Tublr. Ballister Blackheart in the book has been an actual villain for years and there are other completelly different plot things. But I thought you might enjoy looking at the connection between the comic and the movie's animation styles.
Something important about Nimona is that it doesn't dumb down, euphemize, or turn into a metaphor the things it's talking about.
There's an obsession with making "heavy" topics like S-----e ideation or even more complex like police violence "palatable," to young audiences when these topics come up (see: zootopia). But the fact is that children struggle with them, and their struggles don't come with an age appropriate understanding. The only people it's upsetting to, to see a child on screen struggle with these things, are the adults who've projected an innocence onto children that those children will never live up to.
For me as a child one of the most important examples of this was Lilo and Stitch
Im so happy we got therapist to NIMONA because I really needed this movie when it came out... But you what this means we gotta get Couples Therapy Ballistor x Ambrosius 😊
@@delrodriguez9422 I second this! I second this soo much!✨
This instantly became my favorite movie when I first watched it, not only for its hilarious writing and animation, but also it captured the concept of wanting to be accepted beautifully, and I relate to Nimona so much. This is such a great film! ❤
YOU FINALLY DID IT YIPPEE
Such a beautiful channel. If only for the service of showing a man comfortable crying. You inspire me Allen.
I am so glad you guys finally did this movie.
I was wondering if you had any commentary on Nimona's character as an trans/non-binary and bipolar allegory.
Okay, hear me out: I'm not a fan of streaming platforms due to how easily they can pull away something one loves, like a show with lesser audience or a movie that no longer brings in views, so I'm not subscribed to Disney+, or Netflix, or (insert the other 10+ other platform names here).
So I saw Nimona when Netflix had its "for your consideration" campaign last year for this year's Oscars, by posting the movie to TH-cam for a few days and letting everyone get to watch it. And I was blown away. Love it, amazing film.
Now, another Netflix movie, The Mitchells vs. The Machines, ended up getting a physical media release later on, I got that DVD and it's still on the shelf. (Since I'm not big on streaming platforms, you can imagine I prefer physical media.) Yet another movie I love. I swear, I would buy a DVD of Nimona in a heartbeat if it was ever made available. Make it happen, Netflix!
THEY'RE DOING IT!!!!!!!! I've been hoping y'all would react to this! Nimona is my favorite movie of all time, I cried like a freaking baby during That Flashback sequence.
Yes, I'm trans. How did you guess lol.
as a genderfluid person, the subway scene was so important. "it would be easier if you were a girl" "not everyone is as accepting as me" these are things people say to lgbt kids all the time. And the obvious metaphor for gender with her shapeshifting is pretty on the nose but also makes her so relatable. For CIS-Straight people she has an arc to become heroic, but this scene makes her heroic to LGBT people from the beginning. the fact that she refuses to compromise who she is for normalcy sake is already a heroic trait. She's already inspiring to some of us from the early scenes just for that.
It reminds me of a quote from Blood Blockade Battlefront. "Even if I am faced with a thousand setbacks, it does not serve as an excuse to change the way I choose to live my life."
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for finally reviewing this!!!!!! Omg, I have been waiting on edge to see this episode!!!
The part of Ballister physically touching Nimona's core, her heart, connecting with her as he says "I see you. And you are not alone." Tears me up every time. He meets her where she is, he doesnt try to change her or tell her "Hey, bestie, cheer up, itll all get better!" he meets her in her darkness and embraces and sits with her like she is and embraces and continues to sit with her and reassure her shes not alone even after she has stepped off that ledge. Such a master piece.
I've been waiting for this for a long time!!
Balister’s eye reflection is diamond shaped, like Goldenloin’s face. Goldenloin’s eye reflection is triangle shaped, like Ballister’s face
alright, it's time to cry again
Thank you for calling this an important movie (not in those words but the sentiment was there at the end) And thank you for covering it..
This movie covers so many bases, touches on so many truly important themes but does it with an unbelievably soft touch and it hits so much harder because of it.
I've watched a lot of reactions to this and so many of them go "You go Girl!!!" when Nimona says "I'm Nimona' to the several times she is asked "What are you?" But rather than being the "none of you business" response that so many people read it to be, the simple fact is she has this response because SHE doesn't know.
We are humans, We know we are human and that is a part in the tapestry of our existence. We are male. female, somewhere in between, Gay, straight, somewhere in-between or neither. We have a good idea of what we are from all the definitions around us. But Nimona, to her knowledge is the only being of her kind. We know she is at least 1000 years old she could easily be 10,000 or a million or has existed for ever (for what ever that means). We also know we have never seen her original or default form. The earliest we see her (the true well scene) she comes into shot mid transform and becomes the small bird. We never see what she was before that. Even the Little girl form was an instinctive reaction to seeing Gloreth and another attempt to fit in and failing. For all we know She could simply be a being of pure energy that can conjure forms from thin air (it was explained in the comic that she destroys the current one and immediately creates the next neatly sidestepping the conservation of mass problem !!)
The point is she doesn't KNOW what she is. She doesn't KNOW what 'wrong' with her. Nothing is wrong with her, obviously, but that doesn't help you when nothing you do or try seems to work... I found me self resonating with this very strongly. I self diagnosed with autism at the late age of 50 (several professionals have since confirmed this in casual conversation. Me:" Do you think I might be Autistic" Them "Well, DUH!" )
For most of my life I've not fit in. I found I could not make social satiations work as they were meant to. I'd follow the rules (as I could discern them) but Id fail and be shunned, called names, stuffed through hedges, beat up, lose friends (especially when it came to intimate relationships)
Then I realised I was most likely Autistic and everything just fell in to place. It explained pretty much every awkward failure after failure. Explained why nothing worked right. It was a revelation..
Nimona is in a similar boat because she has no clue what or why she is like she is. Never even encountering anything remotely similar. It's why she reacts the way she does because the " I am what I am" answer is the only defence she has. And while self acceptance, which is the result of " I am what I am" is a good thing Nimona is not there, nor can she be till she gets some answers or society stops literally demonising her.
This movie means so much to me. I remember reading it online when it was a free webcomic, and I’m just so proud of everyone who worked on it and took chances on it to get to the screen. It’s an excellent adaption, and I love how it’s grown into this latest form.
I know you giggled pointing out that the camera moved around him to show he's changing perspective, but pointing out that kind of detail is actually very fun and informative! I appreciated it very much.
The coverage on Nimona is peak greatness and good timing because today is my birthday. Overall, great analysis as always and I can't wait for the next one.
Icry every time she says that line " I dont know whats scarier, the fact everyone wants to run a sword through my heart, or that sometimes I want to let them " it's strikes me as a queer person ( specific bi and a trans woman ) because I just want to be loved and accepted for who I am, but knowing I have to be secretive with some people, not tell them who I really am or they might freak out on the mild end to get violent on the worse end or that any time I even talk online I have a significant chance of some jack ass harrassing me, doxing me, or any number of other things, it terrifies me to no end, and sometimes I do just want it to end, idk how well I could manage it without the fact I do have great friends, and an amazing boyfriend, even with all that some days it does feel to overwhelming to take, so this movie cuts deep and it's so cool to see you guys react to it.
I greatly appreciate the taco analysis
I can't explain how much I anticipated your reaction to this masterpiece.
At last, Nimona! This film came out on by birthday last year, and I love that you’ve finally covered it on this channel!
I've been waiting for this episode for so long!
Thank you for finally watching this movie! It had me laughing my ass off one moment and had me in tears the next Everything from the story to the animation to the acting is SO well done and it is very clear that this is a labor of love from everyone involved!
It was through a lifetime of chaos and trauma and pain that I finally came to understand peace. Not that I don't feel those things, but they don't rule me. And a LOT of that came from the support of some truly extraordinary people. If I can leave one legacy at the end of what I hope is going to be a sort of disrespectfully long life, I hope it's the legacy of that same kind of support. Love y'all. Take good care of yourselves.
YES! I have been waiting for you guys to react to this movie. it became instantly one of my favorite animations of 2023❤
Finally!!! I LOVE this movie!!! I relate so much!!!!
I heard somewhere once that "tradition is peer pressure from dead people" and dammit, I can’t help but agree.
Using tradition as a basis for anything legal has never sat well with me, because it spits in the face of progress and often tramples the rights of others.
@@PlayerOne.StartGame I second this. ⚔️
Omg yes I love this film and studied the graphic novel in uni
You guys should check out Invincible if you haven't already in your own time for the Psychology of a Hero/Villain series! Not only do we have the most gut wrenching trauma for our main character to deal with ever, but he keeps getting back up because he is Invincible, but we also have an interesting psychological take from the main villain which i don't think has been talked about on your show yet, and that is effectively breaking free from long-term behavioural conditioning. It's a pretty interesting dichotomy, and deconstruction of the superhero genre. Or just look at the main character's mum, and her descent into alcoholism for her trauma. Because she has to be one of the most heroic characters in a show full of superheroes.
Some folks asked me why us trans folks latch onto this movie so hard. It's not Nimona's identity that hits home, it's how she's treated. We get some of the most vile shit thrown at us daily, just existing is enough of a reason for someone who hates to want us dead and worst case scenario, if given the chance, they'll do it. We're human, we just want to exist, we want to have a job, a home, to be surrounded with loved ones, family, we aren't all that different at all. The scene in the train when Ballister 'suggests' it's be 'easier if you were a girl' is something a lot of trans and non-binary folks hear aaaaall the time and it's always excused with 'it's safer' or 'others aren't as accepting as me' and all it is is looking away from an uncomfortable topic and you're not actually helping us. The reason why so many of us are so outspoken, aggressive, violent in our reactions, in our emotions, is because to a lot of people we will NEVER be enough, we will NEVER fit in and be accepted, we're all just 'dirty queers' at the end of the day so why not just, fight back and throw a couple punches of our own? It's a cycle of being told we're not worthy of love, of life and fighting back as much as we can because some of us just, give up sadly and those lives lost should not be in vain. THAT is why Nimona resonates with us.
The "I see you" moment is so well earned and it gets me. Every time!
This is the movie that had me cry ugly tears by the end of it. What a masterpiece!
I am so excited to see you covering this movie!!!
DO YOU KNOW HOW LOOOONNG IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS??! thank you very much for blessing my day with this video, I shall enjoy it.
YESSSSS!! I was about to recommend this movie! SO glad you did it, it is one of my favorite movies of all time!
More Nimona videos! There's so much that can be explored in this movie.
I love that you guys find all the great movies ❤
Credit where it's due - you left out the creator, ND Stevenson, who created Nimona as a webcomic before they came out as Trans. ND Stevenson has a beautiful, expressive mind, and the art they create is valuable and powerful - without them, Nimona and her message doesn't exist. ;)