Wednesday, June 3, 2020

The Witcher



The Witcher is a Netflix Original web-series, portraying a fantasy world of witcher who earns his livelihood by hunting monsters – some pretty ugly monsters. Now on a much complex scale, witcher involves the past, present and future all intertwined to destinies of three people. Quoted - “People linked by destiny will always find each other.”

Geralt of Rivia (played by Henry Cavill) is the main lead and ‘The Witcher’. He hunts the monsters that plague the land. The story revolves around an empire by name ‘Nilfgaardian’ which invades ‘Cintra’ and conquers it. However, Princess Cirilla, known as ‘Ciri’ (played by Freya Allan) who is heir to the throne, somehow escapes. And as quoted – “A dynasty can’t survive on arrogance alone.”

During one such encounter, Geralt of Rivia saves the life of father of Ciri & as a reward invokes the “LAW OF SURPRISE” (you need to get glued to 8-episode series to understand this). In summary, Law of Surprise means to give something, one has but doesn’t know yet – in this case Ciri. Thus, the anecdote show casts the fate of Geralt & Ciri who are meant to be together, but do they even know each other?? Destiny that no one knows. Do they survive or does the fate have something else planned?? Only one way to find out. As spoken – But a Promise made must be honored. As true for a Commoner as it is for a Queen.”

Henry Cavill was born to play Geralt of Rivia. After having played the character of Superman near to perfection, his role in this epic saga is beyond words. The dusky voice, white hair and physique all leave you in awe. Not to forget the sword scenes which have been shot by him – no body double used, shows his level of dedication for the character. Undoubtedly, after seeing his performance you will admire him. As said – “We have to cling to something. If we don’t, the world descends into chaos.”

Freya Allan as Ciri is modest and plays her part beautifully. Scared yet fierce with the spirit to survive. The most unexpected performance has been given by Anya Chalotra, who has played onscreen as ‘Yennefer’. A hunchback girl, disgraced by society, sold by her parents who has always faced the wrath in every form until she does an ultimate sacrifice to be reborn beautiful, ruthless and most importantly a girl who is no longer handicap. Her dialogue “They took my choice, I want it back” is beyond explanation.

The series which is based on games and books by the same name, is in alignment with both. No doubt the expectation from this web-series was damn too high set from books and games & it has delivered most satisfying experience in every way possible.

The narrative is described through different timelines being past and present & as a viewer it becomes confusing. With 3-4 episodes into the series, the story is exciteful but bit puzzled. However, I assure you at the end, you will get answers to all your questions with most fulfilling experience & gutted feeling awaiting Season 2. And as quoted – “You can’t outrun destiny just because you’re terrified of it”- thus you will watch it sooner or later.

The writing, casting, locations, effects, filming and all those aspects which I haven’t mentioned but exist are superlative to the core. Despite being of a genre which has a stalwart saga in the form of Game of Thrones, this fantasy drama has created an image of its own. No-way can it be compared to GoT. Both are similar yet different & truly satisfying. And as stated – “ I love the way you just sit in a corner and brood.”

A special mention to the magic which has been displayed. Magic which is a chief element of surviving, killing, disappearing, re-appearing and then again disappearing (no laughs please) is remarkable. Rarely you come through a series which has just perfect use of sorcery – not too much, not too less – just ideal. “Magic is organizing chaos” – it was done pretty well.

With season 2 already in the making, it is more than must watch recommendation. Anyone who has seen GoT, will find this series very relatable. Just subscribe to Netflix and watch this (No advice to put it in Watchlist as it would be an insult to this chronicle).

Outstanding individual performances, great direction with breath-taking locations, ugly monsters & appreciable VFX effects makes this drama a perfect watch for any weekend.

Hungry and thirsty for Season 2 and as quoted :

“The sword of destiny has two edges, you must make the choice” – here being getting addicted to this spectacular master piece.

Watch the trailer on YouTube here.


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