Damsel (2018)
In the vast, unforgiving landscapes of the Wild West, Damsel (2018) subverts the classic damsel-in-distress trope with a darkly comedic and unpredictable twist. Samuel Alabaster (Robert Pattinson), a wealthy but awkward pioneer, embarks on a perilous journey across the frontier to rescue his supposed true love, Penelope (Mia Wasikowska), from captivity. Armed with grand romantic intentions and a miniature horse named Butterscotch, Samuel is determined to prove his devotion, but nothing is as it seems.
As the quest unfolds, the story takes a sharp, unexpected turn, revealing that Penelope is far from the helpless maiden Samuel believes her to be. Fiercely independent and unwilling to conform to the ideals of men around her, she quickly turns the tables, challenging the very foundation of the traditional Western hero’s journey. In this tale of misguided love, betrayal, and self-reliance, the lines between hero, villain, and victim blur, leaving viewers to question who really needs saving.
With stunning cinematography, offbeat humor, and a subversive take on gender roles in classic Westerns, Damsel is an unconventional ride through the untamed frontier—one where expectations are shattered, and survival belongs to those who forge their own path.
A witty, visually striking, and refreshingly original Western that challenges the genre with humor and grit.