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reviewsSunday, August 9, 2026·3 min read

Donkey Princess Review: Inventive Fairytale

Donkey Princess review: a shape-shifting fairytale

A child with two donkeys near a picturesque lake, capturing a serene countryside moment.
Photo: enes çimen

The Donkey Princess film is an inventive shape-shifting fairytale that tells the story of a princess who escapes her kingdom but not the patriarchy. Directed by Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña, the film is a mix of media, styles, and story worlds. The directors' previous films, such as The Wolf House, have been known for their unique visual style and ability to balance whimsy and darkness. Donkey Princess continues this trend, with a story that is both touching and disquieting. The film's portrayal of a mythic princess and her tortured daddy issues builds to a climax that lingers in the mind. The film's use of hybrid live-action cinema and its exploration of adult fairytale terrain make it a distinctive and aesthetically rich film.

What happened

The film Donkey Princess premiered in the international competition at Locarno, where it was well-received for its distinctive and aesthetically rich filmmaking. The film's directors, Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña, have a history of creating unique and visually stunning films, including The Wolf House and The Hyperboreans. Donkey Princess continues this trend, with a story that is both whimsical and dark. The film's story follows a mythic princess who escapes her kingdom but finds herself struggling with the patriarchy in the real world. The princess's tortured daddy issues follow her, and the film builds to a climax that is both touching and disquieting. The film's use of hybrid live-action cinema and its exploration of adult fairytale terrain make it a standout in the world of cinema.

Why it matters

Donkey Princess is a film that matters because of its unique storytelling and visual style. The film's exploration of adult fairytale terrain and its use of hybrid live-action cinema make it a distinctive and aesthetically rich film. The film's portrayal of a mythic princess and her struggles with the patriarchy also make it a timely and thought-provoking film.

+ Pros
  • The film's unique visual style and storytelling make it a standout in the world of cinema.
  • The film's exploration of adult fairytale terrain and its use of hybrid live-action cinema make it a distinctive and aesthetically rich film.
  • The film's portrayal of a mythic princess and her struggles with the patriarchy make it a timely and thought-provoking film.
Cons
  • The film's story may be confusing for some viewers due to its unique storytelling style.
  • The film's use of hybrid live-action cinema may not appeal to all viewers.
  • The film's portrayal of a mythic princess and her struggles with the patriarchy may be triggering for some viewers.

How to think about it

When thinking about Donkey Princess, it's essential to consider the film's unique visual style and storytelling. The film's exploration of adult fairytale terrain and its use of hybrid live-action cinema make it a distinctive and aesthetically rich film. The film's portrayal of a mythic princess and her struggles with the patriarchy also make it a timely and thought-provoking film.

FAQ

What is Donkey Princess about?+
Donkey Princess is a film about a mythic princess who escapes her kingdom but finds herself struggling with the patriarchy in the real world.
Who are the directors of Donkey Princess?+
The directors of Donkey Princess are Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña.
What is the film's visual style like?+
The film's visual style is a mix of media, styles, and story worlds, and is known for being unique and visually stunning.
Where to watch

Streaming availability changes constantly. Check where it's playing right now — subscription, rent, or buy:

Sources
  1. 01‘Donkey Princess’ Review: A Princess Escapes the Kingdom, but Not the Patriarchy, in an Inventive, Shape-Shifting Fairytale
  2. 02‘Donkey Princess’ Review: A Princess Escapes the Kingdom, but Not the Patriarchy, in an Inventive, Shape-Shifting Fairytale
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