Nimona, the animated Netflix film based on the award-winning graphic novel by ND Stevenson and co-produced by Eugene Lee Yang, has gained critical acclaim for its groundbreaking portrayal of characters and relationships. Yang, best known for his work with The Try Guys on YouTube, lends his voice to the character of Ambrosius Goldenloin, the presumed hero of the story.
In the film, the titular character Nimona, voiced by Chloë Grace Moretz, teams up with outcast knight Ballister Boldheart, voiced by Riz Ahmed, after he is accused of plotting and killing Queen Valerin. Yang’s character, Goldenloin, is a knight of royal lineage who accidentally cuts off Ballister’s arm while trying to save the queen. He later agrees to track down and capture Ballister under the orders of the Director, played by Frances Conroy, who has assumed power after the queen’s death. Throughout the movie and graphic novel, the evolving relationship and romance between Goldenloin and Ballister shapes their individual journeys.
Stevenson, the co-producer of the film and author of the graphic novel, described Goldenloin as a flawed character who clings to his version of the world. In the original comic, Goldenloin is white, a deliberate choice by Stevenson to explore power and privilege. By casting a white character as the hero, the comic satirizes the traditional hero narrative and challenges the notions of good and evil.
However, for the film adaptation, Goldenloin receives a makeover, altering the character’s subtextual messages and relationship with Ballister. Yang sees their relationship as an exploration of how two people can truly see each other beyond stereotypes and misconceptions. He believes that finding middle ground and making the first steps to understand each other is crucial, especially from a queer perspective.
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The character of Goldenloin underwent significant changes from the graphic novel to the film adaptation. The filmmakers wanted to express more diversity in the characters and their designs, resulting in a revamp for Goldenloin. Directors Troy Quane and Nick Bruno wanted to retain Goldenloin’s larger-than-life personality while also making him a more conflicted character, similar to Ballister. They also made the decision to match the race of the voice actors to their characters, with Yang and Ahmed portraying Goldenloin and Ballister, respectively. This choice not only highlights the LGBTQ+ representation in the film but also showcases two lead characters of Asian descent, a significant moment for animated cinema.
The casting of Yang, an Asian actor, as the aspirational and heroic Goldenloin was a deliberate choice to challenge the racial stereotypes often associated with Asian Americans. The film becomes a thought-provoking exploration of race within the system, as well as a queer API love story. Yang, being of Korean American descent, finds a poignant connection to his character’s struggle with oppressive systems and forces, while also emphasizing the shared experiences of Asian Americans as “others” in society.
Frances Conroy’s character, the Director, serves as the ultimate villain in the film, playing with viewers’ conscious and unconscious associations and prejudices in an attempt to shape their perception of hero and villain. Stevenson praises the deconstruction of historical perceptions of hero versus villain in the film, highlighting the interplay between binaries such as hero-villain and black-white.
The film Nimona challenges traditional notions of heroism and representation in animated cinema. Its diverse cast and complex characters break barriers and provide audiences with a refreshing and thought-provoking viewing experience. Through its portrayal of relationships and its exploration of power dynamics, the film sparks conversations about acceptance and understanding, regardless of differences in race, sexuality, or background.
With Eugene Lee Yang’s emotionally-driven performance as Ambrosius Goldenloin, Nimona offers a unique perspective on love, heroism, and the power of self-reflection in a world that often turns a blind eye to those who dare to challenge the status quo. As the film continues to receive critical acclaim, it serves as a testament to the importance of diverse representation in storytelling and the impact it can have on audiences around the globe.
