It is a 2024 fantasy “damsel [in distress]” story. If you have read a lot of fantasy novels, or watched fantasy movies, the story will be very predictable for you right from the beginning (even that glowing larvae were too predictable). Thus, you should put those aside and just enjoy it for what it is: a 2024 fantasy movie.

The production was good. The animation was fluid, and they did take effort in creating the dragon more alive instead of taking shortcuts. For example, the dragon takes time to gain momentum, or had to do manoeuvres to have a controlled landing; instead of just plain flying or landing.

The acting was good and believable, and even though there weren't character backgrounds, one could easily imagine what kind of persons the characters were.

However, they should've not had any excessive screaming and running. They could've replaced those with the main character and the dragon exchanging heated conversations. Since she's screaming a lot instead of being quiet, might as well have a conversation instead of screaming here and there.

But, I think, what they want to show was how panic can make humans forget their intellect and wisdom. Survival is fight or flight, and the main character reacted with the latter. Which, in the end, we've seen how she's an intelligent and wise woman capable of doing things when she's in “fight” mode.

If we look at it from that perspective, then yes, they did well in telling the story and sending that message; and why she kept on screaming and running.

Another good lesson here is humanity's constant fear, leading to unwise decisions. As the dragon said, they killed her daughters unprovoked. That hinted how she would've left them alone, probably migrated later.

Then again, was it truly ‘fear’? The first king did say, “for the glory!” They were hunting. Which brings us to, well, wars. Was it about ‘fear’ or because we are ‘hunting’ and sugar-coating it to justify our actions? Similar to how the latter kings and queens did.

Last, but not the least, they showed us how weak a familial relationship is if a parent can sacrifice their children in the name of money and alleviating poverty. We assume it is justified because the people comes first. However, what kind of ruler are you if you are willing to sacrifice your own children? It speaks volume to your character and the high possibility you'll do it for anyone else.

You just don't. No matter what happens, a parent should never ever sacrifice their children, or use them to make money. Using your people/constituents to justify what you're doing/did to your children is nothing but an excuse.

Good lessons there, which I hope those who watched, and will watch, will also catch and be reminded about.