Dragon Girl by Katarina Launing

Ivan Magrin-Chagnolleau

Where wonder meets survival

Dragon Girl, directed by Norwegian filmmaker Katarina Launing (previous films include Kick It! and other Norwegian family features), tells the story of a refugee girl, Sara (Isha Zainab Khan), who has fled her foster home for fear of being deported, and who unexpectedly encounters a baby dragon girl. Joined by Mortimer (Iver Aunbu Sandemose), she tries to protect the baby dragon, hide her, and help her return to her home. This is, at its core, the story of two kids trying to save a mystical creature on their own.

The first thing to notice about the film is the remarkable blend between live action and animation. The animation of the dragon is both realistic and enchanting, and the integration of the creature into real environments is technically impressive. From a visual standpoint, the film achieves a seamless fusion of fantasy and reality.

Dragon Girl inhabits the classic universe of children’s fantasy stories and fairy tales while grounding itself in a socially rooted narrative about a refugee girl navigating fear, displacement, and invisibility. This combination gives the film both emotional depth and contemporary relevance. The storytelling is strong, balancing adventure with tenderness, and the film showcases beautiful visual qualities throughout.
The actors are directed with precision and deliver solid, heartfelt performances. Isha Zainab Khan brings vulnerability and strength to Sara, while Iver Aunbu Sandemose adds charm and humor as Mortimer, forming a duo that carries the emotional weight of the story. The result is a touching, visually engaging family film that blends social realism and fantasy with admirable finesse.