TV Review: The Witcher Shows It Ain’t Easy Having Power
Watching The Witcher, I kept on thinking, “Henry? Is that you?” Of course, I watched because Henry Cavill in a grey wig is still a welcome to eyes. Moreover, its blatant, “Game of Thrones” vibes had me at “Hello!” since I have been trying to erase Season 8 from my brain. While it may share a vibe of mystical creatures and characters conversations dripping with hidden feelings, naturally, it is a different show: one that embraces its magical side more while seeking its commentary on humanity.
The thing about fantasy novels, at times non-fans do not see, is that they are deeply philosophical, which is why fans adore then. It is not just that Harry has a wand and Narnia is a closet away. These books/ films delve into the nuances of humanity and reflect upon its flaws and triumphs. Surprisingly, it is not Henry Cavill’s turn as Geralt of Rivia that serves the deeper, mental connection people have with fantasy works, at least, not in the beginning. Moreover, the series just dives into his world; pushing the audience to gain its own clarity on how Geralt’s motives, trials, and personal gripes. Some might like piecing the mystery of Gerald or, instead, gravitate towardsAnya Chalotra’s journey as Yennefer, which enraptures and feeds fans of The Witcher series the books’ comments on power and desire.
THE WITCHER | MAIN TRAILER | NETFLIX
Chalotra makes Yennefer’s ambition infectious. You want to her to grow and be fierce, even if it comes at certain costs, which its always does when it comes to fantasy. She is strong and dominating in every scene, even at her most feeble. She truly emphasizes and elaborates a point that the series tries to push through Cavill’s Geralt; it sucks to be different. In a world that refuses to accept and even kills mystical creatures, or turns them into weapons, the only way to survive being different is to become more powerful than the ones who try to chain you being so. In this Geralt and Yennefer connect, which is why her entrance into his life, makes Gerald even more broodingly intriguing.
The Witcher | Character Introduction: Geralt of Rivia | Netflix
I’m a sucker for love, especially when it is a “push-pull” melodrama like that of Yennefer and Geralt. Cavil plays The Witcher with a smoky-voiced snark and deep inability to communicate his feelings without, eventually, telling someone to “F**k Off!” (Sorry Jaskier!) Joey Batey plays Jaskier like a troubadour from Brooklyn that, somehow, landed in such Medieval times, and I like it. He stands out as the only light-heartedness to Geralt and the show, which is even grey in hues. Yet, even he falls to the back-burner, as fans will gravitate to Yennefer and Geralt, and how they teach other to embrace two things they never quite understood worked within them: power and desire.
The Witcher | Character Introduction: Yennefer of Vengerberg | Netflix
Ultimately, there is so much potential for The Witcher. As a Season 1, I think it is solid and strong enough to gain a following for its already approved Season 2. When it embraces more richly/ philosophically the characters’ relationships and the magical side of the series’ world, it provides fans all that they can want. From creatures to spell-binding fights, this shows’ visual effects are hypnotically imaginative. Though, admittedly, Freya Allen as Ciri is excellent, it is hard not to want to just focus on Cavill’s Geralt and Charlota’s Yennefer. Hence, Season 2 can and should go big when it comes to them!
