🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: David Zellner
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Western
- Release year: 2018
- Runtime (length): 1h 53min
- IMDb rating: 5.5/10 (7.2K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A rich dude, a tiny horse, and a drunk preacher try to woo a woman who’s way too cool for them, resulting in a very awkward road trip and explosive finale.
🍿 Damsel: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Affluent Pioneer
Samuel Alabaster, a well-to-do pioneer, embarks on a journey across the Wild West to marry his beloved Penelope. He brings along a miniature horse named Butterscotch as a gift and hires Parson Henry, a drunkard, to officiate the wedding. Little does Samuel know, the journey will test his perception of heroism and romance.

Penelope is Not in Distress
Upon reaching Penelope, Samuel discovers she is not the damsel in distress he imagined. She’s independent, strong, and has a different perspective on their relationship. This revelation challenges Samuel’s idealized vision and sets the stage for a re-evaluation of his role as the hero.

Blurred Lines
As the story progresses, the lines between hero, villain, and damsel become increasingly blurred. Samuel’s actions are questioned, and Penelope’s agency becomes central. The film subverts traditional Western tropes, offering a satirical take on the genre.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Samuel Alabaster (Robert Pattinson): An affluent and somewhat delusional pioneer who travels west to marry Penelope, believing she needs rescuing.
- Penelope (Mia Wasikowska): An independent woman who subverts the ‘damsel in distress’ trope, proving capable and self-reliant.
- Parson Henry (David Zellner): A drunken and unreliable parson hired by Samuel who undergoes a surprising journey of his own.
- Rufus Cornell (Nathan Zellner): A member of Cornell family.
- Zachariah Running Bear (Joseph Billingiere): A native american
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Samuel Alabaster: “Regular horses don’t have names, they’re just, uh, you know, regular.” – Samuel explains why his miniature horse is named Butterscotch.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: $305,136
- Worldwide Gross: $323,235
💥 Damsel Reviews
Personal Review
I found Damsel to be a really unique experience. It definitely wasn’t what I expected going in. The humor is super dry, and the story takes some wild turns that caught me off guard. I loved how Mia Wasikowska portrayed Penelope – she’s such a badass. The ending was a bit shocking, but also strangely satisfying. If you’re looking for something different, give this a shot, but be prepared for a slow burn!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of independent cinema”
- “Viewers interested in Westerns with a twist”
- “Those who appreciate dark humor and satire”
- “Robert Pattinson and Mia Wasikowska fans”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Suicide”
- “Strong language”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “Damsel subverts Western tropes with dark humor and surprising turns. Pattinson and Wasikowska deliver strong performances, but the film’s pacing may not appeal to all viewers. It’s a quirky, thought-provoking take on the genre.
- Variety: “While Damsel is visually striking and boasts committed performances, its narrative meanders, losing steam in the second half. The humor is hit-or-miss, and the overall message feels muddled.
Audience Reactions
Mia Wasikowska’s performance as the independent Penelope was widely praised.: Viewers appreciated the film’s subversion of Western tropes and unexpected plot twists.
Robert Pattinson’s comedic timing surprised many viewers.: The quirky humor and unique storytelling made the film stand out from typical Westerns.
Overall Consensus: Damsel is a polarizing film with a unique vision, some find it brilliant, others find it pretentious. It’s a quirky, subversive Western that won’t appeal to everyone, but those who appreciate its dark humor and unconventional storytelling will find it rewarding.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Robert Pattinson initially declined the script, feeling it wouldn’t get financed due to its unconventional nature.”
- “After randomly watching the directors’ previous film, ‘Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter,’ Pattinson loved it and reconsidered ‘Damsel,’ not realizing it was the same directors.”
🖥️ How to Watch Damsel?
Currently, ‘Damsel’ is available for streaming on various platforms. Check streaming services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and others for availability in your region. You can also rent or purchase the movie on these platforms.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Damsel, you might like these similar films:
- Meek’s Cutoff (2010): Offers a realistic and less romanticized depiction of the Oregon Trail, sharing a similar tone of slow-burn tension and questioning of traditional Western narratives.
- The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018): An anthology of Western tales with dark humor and unexpected twists, similar to the Zellner Brothers’ subversion of genre expectations.
- True Grit (2010): Features a strong female character in a traditionally male-dominated genre, mirroring Penelope’s independent spirit.
🛒 Damsel Related Products
- Damsel (Blu-ray): Own Damsel on Blu-ray for stunning visuals and behind-the-scenes content. A collector’s item for fans of the film.
- Old West Outfits for Dolls: Dress up your doll like Robert Pattinson. Handcrafted clothing pieces inspired by characters from the film.
- Western Movie Inspired Drinking Game: Unite your friends and have fun recreating the drinking scene while watching the movie. Play with the included shot glass and use themed prompt cards.
- Robert Pattinson Poster: High-quality print featuring Robert Pattinson’s character Samuel Alabaster. Perfect for decorating any fan’s space.
🎧 Soundtrack
Damsel features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Damsel’ is a Western that subverts traditional genre tropes, exploring themes of gender roles, expectations, and independence through a satirical lens. It follows a pioneer’s journey to rescue his ‘damsel’ only to find she doesn’t need rescuing.
Damsel blends elements of both comedy and drama. It uses dark humor and satire to explore deeper themes, making it a darkly comedic drama.
The Zellner Brothers are independent filmmakers known for their quirky and offbeat storytelling style. They wrote and directed ‘Damsel’ and often act in their own films.
🔥 Bonus Content
Behind the Stunts of #Damsel
Ever wonder how they pulled off those incredible stunts in Damsel? This video gives you a peek behind the curtain and shows you the work put into bringing the action to life, it’s crazy to see the amount of work involved!
Millie Bobby Brown Purposefully Doesn’t Learn Her Lines Before Coming to Set.
Can you imagine showing up to set without even memorizing your lines? Millie Bobby Brown shares her unique acting technique – you won’t believe why she prefers to learn them on the spot!
DAMSEL Ending Explained!
Confused about the ending of Damsel? This video breaks it down for you, so you can finally understand all the hidden meanings – it really made me think about the themes of the film in a new light.
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