Today is the day we’ve been waiting for! The release of Netflix’s The Witcher is here. It has already been nothing short of glorious just one episode in! The first episode follows essentially two main things, the battle Nilfgaard is waging against Princess Ciri and her people, and Princess Renfri leading on Geralt about his destiny. These two intertwine and set us on a path for Ciri and Geralt to cross paths, leading to their “destiny”. Without it, they wouldn’t be wandering into the woods looking for each other!
With that let’s get into all the great things about the first episode of Netflix’s The Witcher!
Netflix’s ‘The Witcher’: Episode One Review: Henry Cavill As Geralt Of Rivia
Few castings have been as perfect as this one. Not only does Cavill possess the physique to accurately portray Geralt, but is an avid fan and fellow geek of both the stories and games. He has publicly stated that he has played through the games several times and always finds it just as fun as the time before.
Perhaps the best part is his love for the stories. A common misconception about the new series is that it is based on the games. Rather, they pull from the original stories written by Andrzej Sapkowski. In particular, his first short stories.
Not only does Cavill understand the character of Geralt of Rivia. He understands the story, the world, all of the characters. It is rare and far between you have the perfect casting for something like this!
Episode One Review: The Epic Battles
The Witcher, episode one already has introduced some of the best swordplay, choreography and staged battles in recent memory! Essentially, what we’ve seen in the trailers leading up to the release is what we got in episode one. So, thankfully not too much has been given away!
We open up with a great monster battle, introducing us to Geralt. He is in the swamps fighting an enormous, spider-like monster and we get our first taste of a fight! After being drug underwater, nearly drowning and thrusting his sword into the monster’s head, we feel pretty confident in his abilities.
Moving onto the battle between two armies, the Nilfgaard are breaching Ciri and her grandmother’s city. Before they can make it inside we are treated to an epic battle. One between two thundering armies. The fighting is brutal and bloody and doesn’t hold back anything.
The last battle I want to talk about is between Geralt and some poor souls who thought they could stand in front of him. It is mentioned they were under an allure from Princess Renfri to do her bidding, and they die trying.
Henry Cavill performs his own stunts and swordplay in a beautiful show of skill. It is bloody and brutal as well, featuring neck slashes and beheadings of these men. Cavill stated in an interview with Netflix, that before swordsman even begins their training, that dance is an important step. Well, this is put on full display as it appears as though he floats throughout the bout and ceremoniously defeats his enemies with great aggression.
Episode One Review: Magic & Foul Mouth Geralt
Perhaps my favorite line of the whole episode comes from Henry Cavill’s Geralt. It’s one word, and while it’s foul, it tells you everything you need to know at that moment. That he doesn’t want to fight, but he’s being pushed into it. He knows what’s going to happen. “F**k”, the only line before he beheads several men.
Magic also plays a huge whole in The Witcher universe, obviously. With Geralt being able to cast very simple spells, all the way to grand sorcerors! We see several uses of magic, like creating illusions, casting barriers and even Ciri’s ability with her voice.
Its clear Geralt has had enough of grand wizards, and in a conversation with one, even calls him out. Geralt says something along the lines as, “that’s all you wizards do, speak in rhymes and riddles while appearing to stand smart.” He finishes his sarcastic tirade with another great line, “Speak normally!”.
With Cavill’s perfect performance as Geralt, capturing his hidden humanity coupled with his exterior sarcasm and coldness, The Witcher can only go up from here. We didn’t even mention the amazing set design, costuming and CGI. It all culminates to a fantastic showing and we’ll be back to discuss episode two before you know it!
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