Nimona review: Quirky cartoon fun

Nimona
Cert:PG | ★★★★✩

A young knight accused of a heinous crime teams up with a rebellious teenager in this outstanding computer-animated film from Spies In Disguise directing duo Nick Bruno and Troy Quane.

In a futuristic kingdom, common-born Ballister “Bal” Blackheart (voiced by British actor Riz Ahmed), is soon to be knighted by the queen of the realm.

At the ceremony, Bal suddenly becomes public enemy No 1 when he is framed for a crime he didn’t commit by those who have deemed his lowly status as undeserving of a knighthood.

NIMONA - Knight (Riz Ahmed) is framed for a crime he didn-t commit and helped by Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz), a shape-shifting teen (4)

A scene from Nimona (Photo: Netflix)

After being captured by the queen’s guards, Bal is broken out of jail by young shape-shifting teenager Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz, excellent). At first wary of his new companion, Bal is eventually forced to accept her help to clear his name.

With some beautifully well- judged gags and ingenious narrative twists, Nimona is a joy to watch. As a quirky, spikey troublemaker with an irresistible punk spirit, Moretz is a real revelation here.

The film’s over-arching message is that it isn’t always easy living in a society that views anyone out of the norm as monstrous. I can’t think of a better time than Pride month for this beautiful LGBT story to be released and enjoyed by a wider audience of all ages.