Meet Robert Pattinson as Samuel Alabaster

So glad to finally meet Samuel Alabaster and his tiny horse, Butterscotch.

Collider

This movie looks great, and Pattinson once again proves he’s one of the best young actors working today. He couldn’t be giving a more different performance here than the one he delivers in something like The Lost City of Z, and yet he excels wildly. The tone of Damsel appears to be very much a screwball comedy, and Pattinson nails the timing, mannerisms, and voice.

Indiewire

“Damsel” as an “unexpected deadpan comedy” and a “poetic vision of desperate men.” One thing is for sure: Robert Pattinson gives his funniest performance to date.

Coming Soon

A loving reinvention of the western genre from the Zellner brothers (Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter), Damsel showcases their trademark unpredictability, off-kilter sense of humor, and unique brand of humanism.

The Playlist

“Damsel” looks to be another interesting project in Robert Pattinson’s post-“Twilight” filmography. Seeing him go from the grimy thriller “Good Time” to a farcical Western like “Damsel” is quite impressive.  … All in all, “Damsel” looks like it could be a fun twist on the classic Western genre. Its farcical tone mixed with its attempt to toy with traditional gender roles should make it an interesting watch.

Cinema Blend

Robert Pattinson looks quite entertaining here as the wide-eyed, clueless and overly optimistic pioneer Samuel Alabaster, who is trying to win the heart of Mia Wasikowska’s Penelope, who doesn’t appear to be entirely receptive to it. Pattinson is definitely playing against type here and the dynamic between him and Mia Wasikowska’s rough and tumble character looks to be a highlight of the movie.

Film Pulse

The film features Pattinson as a love-lorn pioneer heading off on an adventure to save the woman he loves- but things take a turn. This dry comedy takes the Western tropes and flips them on their head, making for a ridiculous and very entertaining experience.

LiveforFilm

Robert Pattinson keeps mixing things up with his film choices and Damsel looks like it will be mighty fine.

Film Threat

Pattinson’s performance feels more like an awkward imitation of Justin Timberlake in a silly Saturday Night Live sketch. His commitment to the character is commendable, but it feels like a caricature.

GQ

Robert Pattinson, somehow, is quickly becoming one of the most exciting experimental actors in the game. … Pattinson infuses his cowboy idiot Samuel Alabaster with real heart and humor here

UPDATED: 24 May 2018

We Are Movie Geeks

A loving reinvention of the western genre from the Zellner brothers (Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter), DAMSEL showcases their trademark unpredictability, off-kilter sense of humor, and unique brand of humanism.

The Digital Fix (UK)

Twilight. That’s the obligatory mention of the franchise mentioned in every article featuring Robert Pattinson out of the way. After his immersive performances in The Lost City of Z and Good Time the talent everyone thought was there has started to emerge and his new film, Damsel, picked up good reviews after first appearing at Sundance at the start of the year.

Geek Tryant

If you’re looking for a pleasant surprise today, I have a wonderful trailer here for a new film called Damsel. When I saw that Robert Pattinson and Mia Wasikowska made a western together, I had no idea it would turn out anything like this! Damsel looks like a very fun and quirky film, and I absolutely enjoyed what this first trailer had to offer. I was completely surprised by the kind of film this turned out to be. It looks delightful and now I can’t wait to see it!