Nimona and the use of the âmonstrous otherâ as an allegory for the trans experience.
Something about the way Nimona makes it clear there is no way to appeal to people who already refuse to see you any other way, but Ballister continues to try anyway. Something about the way Nimona says they wouldnât literally die if they didnât shapeshift, but they wouldnât really be living.
Something about the way Nimona responds genuinely when Ballister asks what shapeshifting feels like out of genuine curiosity after a vulnerable moment where heâs patched up their leg and has shown he actually cares. Unlike the time when he insists not everyone is as understanding as him after imposing his own ideas of what would be âeasier,â and Nimona asks, âEasier for who?â Something about the way Nimona describes the feeling of not shapeshifting as a continuous physical discomfort similar to the moment before a sneeze when youâd be holding your breath, where the relief would only come when they shapeshift.
Something about the way Nimona says, âYou changed the way you see me,â to Ballister.
Something about the way Gloreth didnât see Nimona as a monster until the adults made it clear Nimona is âdifferent.â Something about the way Nimona is a âmonsterâ since defending themself is what spreads the fire, but the villagers consider themselves righteous for starting the flame.
Something about the way Nimona says that they donât know whatâs worse. That everyone in the kingdom wants to drive a sword through their heart, or that sometimes they just want to let them.
Something about the way that Ballister saying, âIâm sorry. I see you, Nimona. Youâre not alone,â is what eases the fear in the expression and stance of the little girl who raised a sword at Nimona and called them a monster earlier. Something about the way the directorâs hatred for Nimona is the tipping point to her being willing to target everyone else.
Something in how Nimona sacrifices themself, and whatâs left of them scatters around the area in different glowing pieces. Something in the way they come back at the very end, they live to see the end of the story but theirs is just starting again. Something in the way it says it without having to say it at all: âWeâve always been here, and as long people with the courage to be themselves exist, we always will be.â













