Nimona tells the story of a knight who is framed for a crime he didn’t commit — and the teenage shapeshifter he teams up with in order to clear his name. It’s a powerful story about acceptance, identity, and morality. Here are some beautiful, inspirational lessons from Nimona that you should continue to carry with you (with spoilers ahead!):
Be careful with your words because they can have a heavy impact.
One of the most powerful quotes is the entire film is when Nimona says, “I don’t know what’s scarier. The fact that everyone in this kingdom wants to run a sword through my heart, or that sometimes I just want to let them.” Even though someone might not deserve the hatred they’re given in any way, if enough people treat them poorly, it’s going to be hard for them to keep going. So spread kindness. Your words will impact others, in good ways and bad, so be careful with how you treat them.
You deserve to live as your most authentic self.
One of the most powerful aspects of Nimona is the film’s emphasis on being your true self. You should never hide who you really are, even if that means pushing certain people away, because you deserve to live authentically. You deserve to embrace your truth. There’s a powerful scene where Ballister is asking Nimona what would happen if she held it in, if she didn’t shapeshift anymore, and Nimona jokes about dying before telling him: “I wouldn’t die die. I just sure wouldn’t be living.” (Fun fact: If you look closely, there’s a trans flag in the background of this scene!)
Don’t ask small-minded questions.
This is a key lesson that Ballister learns throughout the film. Although he begins the story by constantly questioning who and what Nimona is, he eventually learns that they’re friends. That’s all that matters. Nimona is Nimona.
Your assumptions about other people might not be based on reality.
A big takeaway from this film is that you should question everything. You can’t always believe what you hear because other people have their own agendas and might be trying to manipulate you. Or they simply might be wrong. You can’t always assume the people you were taught are villains are actually as bad as everyone claims because you should be forming your own opinions, asking your own questions. Nimona said it best with: “Kids. Little kids. They grow up believing that they can be a hero if they drive a sword into the heart of anything different. And I’m the monster?” Don’t be so rigid that you refuse to change your opinion on someone or something, because there’s a chance you were wrong.
You can’t care too much about what other people think of you.
Early in the film, Nimona says, “Once everyone sees you as a villain, that’s what you are. They only see you one way, no matter how hard you try.” Although the film eventually makes it clear that people like Ballister can change their opinions and their beliefs, you can’t care too much about what the rest of the world thinks. It’s much better to surround yourself with people who love you and support you. People who will remind you of your worth and make you feel special exactly the way you are.
