Daily Recco, March 25: The Witcher, a bewitching fantasy
Lauren Schmidt Hissrich realistically recreates author Andrzej Sapkowski’s magic and monsters on screen. Be prepared to be bewitched by The Witcher.
If you are a fantasy series buff or a mythology/folklore (Slavic, Nordic or Celtic) aficionado, the Netflix series The Witcher should be no stranger to you. Even if you are not, the slightest investment in the video game series should leave you bowled over as you see the characters breathing on the screen.
Bringing to life one of the most popular fantasy figures — Geralt of Rivia (played by oh-so-easy-on-the-eyes Henry Cavill) — this Netflix series follows the storyline of Geralt hunting and killing monsters across the Continent (a medieval-inspired kingdom). There, of course, has to be a damsel in distress. And that is Cirilla (Ciri), the princess from a fallen kingdom, who Geralt is destined to protect. Besides hunting monsters (while demanding payment from the locals in return) and protecting Ciri, along the way he has to find the sorceress Yennefer, his soul mate. His faithful companion is Jaskier, a travelling bard assisting him on his quest.
Predictable storyline, you say? We agree. However, what sets The Witcher apart is the look and feel of the show, the magnificent cinematography and the brilliant acting by the lead cast. Be it Yennefer (Anya Chalotra), Cirilla (Freya Allan) or Jaskier (Joey Batey), or Geralt himself, the actors have done a fine job. Further, the series creator Lauren Hissrich (of The Umbrella Academy fame) goes great lengths to stay true to the text — The Witcher universe is based on the eponymous fantasy novels and short stories by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. While the short stories’ adaptation could have been a deterrent in terms of creating a flow in the series, the creators have managed to make the episodes cohesive and consistent.
The eight-episode first season was released in December 2019 and is streaming on Netflix. The second season is slated to be released soon this year. In fact, three days ago, Netflix announced an exciting melange of the new cast joining the Continent.
The Witcher Season 2 — meet the latest cast additions: Adjoa Andoh as NennekeCassie Clare as Phillippa EilhartLiz Carr as FennGraham McTavish as Dijkstra Kevin Doyle as Ba’lianSimon Callow as CodringherChris Fulton as Rience pic.twitter.com/jkvgTYMfVv
— Netflix (@netflix) March 22, 2021
So, before they release the promising next season, binge on The Witcher this weekend. The Continent awaits you.