#SUNDANCE18: “DAMSEL” REVIEW

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Damsel follows Samuel (Robert Pattinson) who goes on a journey to marry his love, Penelope (Mia Wasikowska). The pair are reunited after success in David Cronenberg‘s Maps to the Stars. But when their venture takes an unsuspected turn, lines become blurred between who the villain, hero and damsel are.

Writer-Director brother duo David and Nathan Zellner craft a beautifully-shot deadpan Comedy-Western. They divert from  typical Western fare to create a hilarious genre-bending thrill ride. The laughs come courtesy of this powerhouse Ensemble. Pattinson is a stand-out as the clueless, blinded-by-love Samuel. He takes his character way beyond the script to create a highly-memorable character. And Wasikowska is a knockout as the strong, fearless Penelope. This is Wasikowska’s Film and it is a pure delight. Top that off with a comical performance from David Zellner as the Preacher and the cutest miniature pony and this is one unforgettable ride!

Damsel screens at Sundance on Jan. 23 at 3:30PM at Eccles PC, Jan. 24 at 9AM at PC Library, Jan. 27 at 9:30PM at The Ray PC and Jan. 28 at 12:30PM at Rose Wagner SLC.