Galloping onto screens this fall, the audacious Western comedy Damsel lassoes viewers with a tale that gleefully bucks genre traditions. Directed by the distinctive filmmaking duo of David and Nathan Zellner, this revisionist riff on classic frontier tropes follows an eccentric hero on a quest gone hilariously awry. With its unpredictable twists and satirical spirit, Damsel promises a rowdy ride off the beaten trail.
Meet the Maverick Filmmaking Duo
Known for their quirky indie films like Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter, David and Nathan Zellner imprint their idiosyncratic vision onto Damsel. Their screenplay overturns the conventional “damsel in distress” rescue plotline, delivering absurd situational humor and provocative commentary on gender roles and storytelling norms.
The Zellners display a keen eye for cinematic beauty throughout Damsel, capturing both the majestic Utah landscape and intimate character moments. Avant-garde musical choices and jarring sound effects punctuate the deadpan absurdity. Overall, their bold directing and writing make the film a subversive pleasure.
Cast
| Actor | Role | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Pattinson | Samuel Alabaster | The Batman, Tenet, Good Time |
| Mia Wasikowska | Penelope | Alice in Wonderland, Stoker, Maps to the Stars |
| David Zellner | Reverend Henry | Director, writer, actor in indie films |
The Story’s Peculiar Premise
Set in the old American West, Damsel follows eager pioneer Samuel Alabaster as he ventures through the wilderness to reunite with his beloved fiancée Penelope. Samuel is accompanied by the miniature horse Butterscotch and boozy, gun-slinging preacher Parson Henry.
However, when the trio finally find the missing Penelope, Samuel is shocked to learn she is neither happy to see him nor interested in marriage. In fact, Penelope would rather embrace the freedom of the frontier than become Samuel’s wife.
What follows is a bizarre string of events involving everything from kidnapping to impromptu surgery, as both Samuel and Penelope struggle to take control of their destinies with wildly unpredictable results.
Standout Scenes
- In an absurdist prologue, a grizzled frontier priest introduces the story directly to the camera, setting the quirky tone.
- During an odd musical interlude, Samuel soulfully serenades Penelope on guitar despite her clear discomfort and lack of enthusiasm. The scene highlights his obliviousness.
- After unexpectedly reuniting, Penelope casually reveals she never loved Samuel and has moved on with her life, devastating the earnest pioneer.
- In a gruesome scene, Samuel insists the drunken Reverend Henry try performing medical surgery, leading to copious amounts of blood.
Crafting Cinematic Magic
From its opening frames, Damsel casts a spell through striking cinematography and unconventional production design. Stark wide shots of Samuel and company isolated in the wilderness visually convey the characters’ smallness against the untamed landscape. Sepia tones and hazy focus evoke vintage Western aesthetics.
The Zellners also made the fascinating choice to shoot on vintage lenses from the 1970s era. This gives Damsel a surreal, dreamlike texture that heightens the absurdity. Transportive period-perfect costumes and props complete the film’s immersive atmosphere.
Technical Crew
| Crew | Role | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Stone | Cinematographer | A Ghost Story, Vice |
| Melissa Lawson | Film Editor | The Lobster, Ex Machina |
| Caroline Hanania | Production Designer | It Comes at Night, A Ghost Story |
| Malgosia Turzanska | Costume Designer | The Lobster, The Favourite |
Why Fans are Drawn to Damsel
Even before its release, Damsel lassoed attention for its pedigree and premise. Fans of Robert Pattinson’s eclectic filmography are eager to see him bring his trademark eccentricity to the role of Samuel.
The Zellner brothers have earned a cult following for their quirky narrative voices, which attracted indie fans to Damsel. The film’s potential to skewer and subvert the Western genre holds appeal for audiences bored with clichés.
Cinephiles also anticipate Mia Wasikowska’s fiercely charismatic turn as Penelope, which looks to upend the passive damsel stereotype. Overall, the film’s singular humor and stark imagery have movie lovers ready to saddle up for a weird wild ride.
The Zellners’ Satirical Vision
While on the surface a zany comedy, Damsel also acts as a sly satire about theestablished tropes of Westerns and medieval tales. By revealing Penelope has no desire to be rescued or married, the directors undermine society’s assumption that a woman’s happiness hinges on landing a heroic husband.
Through Samuel’s ineptitude and hypocrisy, the film further critiques the male savior archetype. These subversive themes are amplified by moments of jarring violence, creating disorienting tonal shifts that keep audiences unbalanced.
Ultimately, the Zellners craft a feminist fable inside the shell of a ridiculous buddy comedy. Samuel’s journey becomes a distorted mirror revealing the flaws in tired heroic constructs.
Saddle up for Damsel when it gallops into theaters this October. With its wry humor and gorgeous production design, this indie gem looks poised to put a clever twist on well-worn tales. Audiences craving something singular should enjoy going along for the ride. Just don’t expect a routine trip.
