The eight episode Netflix series is an adaptation of Polish fantasy novels of the same name written by Andrzej Sapkowski. The novels have also been adapted into a series of successful video games.
The story centres around three main characters (pictured below): sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chlaotra), Witcher Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), and Princess Cirilla of Cintra (Freya Allan).
A quick google search will show that The Witcher was released to mixed reviews. It has a 67% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.2/10 on IMDb. Despite mixed reviews by critics, however, it is one of Netflix’s most popular shows, being watched by 76 million households. They even approved a second season before the release of the first.
To summarize, The Witcher is a relatively dark fantasy show created by Lauren Schmidt. It follows Geralt of Rivia, a “Witcher” who was made a mutant by magic in order to become an expert monster hunter. However, his mutation certainly doesn’t mean he’s any less attractive. Henry Cavill gives an amazing performance as Geralt, with both his acting and his leather-clad buttocks.
The show’s second plot thread follows powerful sorceress Yennefer, a dynamic, complex character who is also, yes, quite attractive. Then there is Princess Ciri, a young girl who is forced to flee her kingdom when it is attacked and overrun. For most of the show, the characters are on separate journeys in different timelines. The first season finishes with the timelines coming together, so seamlessly you hardly notice at first.
The jumps in time and the different storylines are the main critiques of the show, as it can be confusing and difficult to follow. The show also struggles at times to fit in detailed world-building with plot in such a short span.
However, as complicated as the story might seem at first, it only makes it that much more necessary to re-watch the show. If you still have questions, and you likely will, there is tons of other Witcher material you can enjoy through short stories, novels, graphic novels, and video games.
A good fantasy show is hard to find. The Witcher offers a visually pleasing, complex story with beautifully choreographed fight scenes, dry and witty humour, flawed characters, and a promising build up to a second season. Not to mention that the original song “Toss a Coin to Your Witcher” is an absolute bop.
Often compared to HBO’s Game of Thrones, Netflix’s The Witcher carves its own spot in the fantasy genre. It might not be perfect, it might be a bit of a thirst trap, but if you like chaos, magic, swords, and some sexual tension, it’s definitely worth a watch.
LINK TO SOUNDTRACK– https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Hs1llVpLnMR3QEETRxDVb?si=aOjT7gIyQ46_Z7e5DKFTVQ