Mia Wasikowska Redefines Distress in Damsel

In romantic relationships, we always assume that true love prevails and conquers all…right??!! That’s what Samuel (Robert Pattinson thought until things go terribly awry.

Taking place in the Wild, Wild West circa 1870, Samuel Alabaster (Robert Pattinson), an affluent pioneer, ventures across the American Frontier to marry the love of his life, Penelope (Mia Wasikowska). After picking up a drunk Parson named Henry (David Zellner) and a miniature horse called Butterscotch, their once-simple journey grows treacherous, blurring the lines between hero, villain and damsel.

Writers/Directors David and Nathan Zellner have outdone themselves with this one. The manner in which they seamlessly blur the lines between comedy and drama is stunning. One of my favorite moments is when a character accidentally gets shot in the head while urinating and his special friend is still leaking. I know I have a sick sense of humor, but y’all it was funny as hell!

It runs a little slow int he middle during the journey to find Penelope, but once they do the plot picks up significantly. Mia Wasikowska is giving the range of emotions as Penelope from grieving girlfriend to strong and in command of every man crossing her path.  David Zellner’s acting in this one is very reminiscent of a young Steve Guttenberg at the height of his career and Robert Pattinson is very effective as the bumbling love-struck Samuel whose reality is a little off.

Damsel is quite entertaining and makes one question the difference between love, lust, like and disgust.  Produced by Magnolia Pictures, Damsel hit theaters  on June 22nd.