The Shaggy Dog (1959)

SPOILER ALERT for Nimona (2023) dir. Troy Quane, Nick Bruno

Monster classics always lend themselves well to a queer reading because of the concept of monstrous other in cinema. Shapeshifter stories in particular can be interpreted specifically as trans allegories. This is the case for Netflix’s recent animated feature, Nimona, based on the graphic novel of the same name, created by ND Stevenson. It tells the story of the titular, Nimona, a shapeshifter who decides to help a disgraced knight reclaim his honour.

Admission to the academy for training to become a knight had previously been based on birth and class until a “commoner,” Ballister, earned himself a place in the academy by his merit and then earned Knighthood! The academy exists because many years ago, a woman named Gloreth established it to protect the citizens from monsters and it turns out that one of the so-called monster is actually Nimona herself.

Unfortunately, conspirers ensured Ballister would get disgraced by accusing him of murdering the Queen, forcing Ballister to go underground. One day, Nimona comes to him to help him get to the bottom of the mystery of who framed him. With her help, Ballister breaks into the academy and finds the information he needs. But then he’s brainwashed into questioning Nimona’s intentions, driving her away. Pushed to the brink after the betrayal from Ballister, Nimona decides to break down the city wall and attack the academy. Fortunately though, Ballister understands his mistake and apologizes, and eventually Nimona saves the city from a missile that the academy’s mentor fired on its citizens because she considered them collateral in her desire to kill Nimona.