Nimona ⁞⁞ Movie Spotlight

Based on the graphic novel by trans author ND Stevenson, Nimona tells the story of Ballister Boldheart (voiced by Riz Ahmed), a commoner in a futuristic fantasy world where an institute of knights work to protect the realm and keep peace. The knights are selected by birthright, including Ballister's boyfriend Ambrosius Goldenloin (voiced by Eugene Lee Yang), until the Queen welcomes Ballister into the knighthood, hoping to usher in a new era where commoners can ascend to the great and loyal order. When tragedy strikes, Ballister is blamed for the incident and flees, with Ambrosius forced to hunt him down. Ballister is helped in his escape by the rambunctious Nimona, a being with the ability to shapeshift into anything, causing Nimona to be immediately branded a monster. Nimona relishes being a villain and hopes to be Ballister's sidekick, despite his pleas of innocence. Their bond drives the movie as Ballister works to prove his innocence and Nimona works to protect him while working through struggles for acceptance. The theme of fighting for acceptance runs deep throughout the movie and Nimona is a clear representation of the trans struggle. The gay love story that is also at the heart of the film is handled wonderfully, despite Ballister & Ambrosius being on different sides of the plot's conflict.