Series Analysis: The Witcher

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Analysis of The Witcher
Adaptations are never easy and few can be said to be perfect or to have correctly depicted or picked the mind of an author. Lauren Schmidt Hissrich decided to try her hand in adaptations with the Netflix series known as The Witcher. The series is based on a book written by Andrzej Sapkowski from Poland. With an IMDB rating of 8.3/10 and a 67% rating from Rotten Tomatoes, The Witcher appears to have left many viewers happy. The series that was released on 20th December 2019 has eight episodes with Netflix announcing that the release of the show’s second season will happen in 2021. With such an announcement, Netflix appears to have a lot of confidence in their new show. However, as will be shown in this paper, there are a few issues that may need to be improved if the show is to hit high notes like its counterpart The Game of Thrones did. But, this is not to say that the show was not a masterpiece. The Witcher is indeed a masterpiece especially when one considers its casting as well as some of the scenes that rival scenes in some of the best television series around. Therefore, this paper will seek to showcase the great casting and acting by the show’s cast, offer a description of some of the scenes that stood out, critic some of the things that need to improve, and also show why it is a sound investment for Netflix.
For mass media and entertainment companies, adaptations are a way to tap into the power of fandom. However, this is never a guarantee of success as shows like Dinotopia and Under the Dome showed. At times, the show deviates from the book and introduces interesting aspects absent in the book which furthers the allure of the show to the fandom. However, at times, the show deviates to devastating results, and this greatly affects a show’s reception. The Witcher sought to do what the shows listed above could not, and according to Alexander (np), it managed to capture the attention of the fandom. After its release, Alexander writes that “The Witcher is the most in-demand show in the world.” She continues to write that show “nearly topped Netflix’s most popular shows of 2019, despite being released less than a month ago.” It is true that part of its success can be attributed to the book and game fandom, however, its success is also a testament to the show’s greatness. Tassi (np) adds that The Witcher “was the third biggest streaming original in its US debut.” Such comments only help to confirm that Netflix did hit a jackpot with this show.
First of all, there are three characters who stand out in The Witcher. These people include Yennefer, Geralt of Rivia, and Ciri. Geralt of Rivia is a person who hunts monsters, and his kind are known as witchers. The likes of Geralt are rare but they do exist in the realm of the series. However, even though other witchers exist, The Witcher focuses entirely on Geralt of Rivia. Yennefer, on the other hand, comes from humble beginnings, and even though she was devoid of beauty at first, she ends up getting all that she ever wanted. As the audience is introduced to her, one empathizes with her but in the end, she ends up with more power and beauty that rivals all. Ciri has a privileged background as she is the granddaughter of Queen Calanthe of Cintra which makes her the princess of Cintra. Her story and life are greatly influenced by the choices of her parents and grandparents. As the story continues, the magnitude of their influence over her life is made evident.
Casting
The casting of the show stands out. First of all, one has to acknowledge that Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia does a good job, and fits right into the role. Often, actors stand out because of their supporting cast because their characters feed off what is around them. However, Henry Cavill takes the character of Geralt of Rivia and plays it like it was meant for him all along. Kain (np) notes that “he’s fantastic in the part, whether you’re talking about his use of a sword (and magic) or in his wry deadpan.” Travers (np) agrees with the above noting that “whatever Geralt does, he does with a lovable bluntness, made even more appealing by Cavill’s growly performance.” Cavill fits right into the role and takes it to levels that further speak to his prowess. Good acting is when an actor takes a role and makes it their own, and in the series The Witcher, Cavill owns his character. What the above does for the show is enhance its appeal to fans. With more viewers tuning in, Netflix’s decision to invest or produce the show becomes more of a gold mine.
Getting acquainted with a book or a game before playing a role can be of great help as one settles into a role. Cavill, apparently, is a “big fan of the games, and he’s read the books as well, and actively sought out the role” (Kain). Actors who go out of their way to try and understand the characters they are playing always end up giving the audience the best. Using a fan of the games and books helps to create a connection with the fandom. What the above does is gift the fandom in the show, and hence the large viewership the show attracted. For Netflix, this was a strategic move as it helped to endear the show to its fandom while also affirming the company’s decision to make such an investment. Cavill as Geralt of Rivia does look the part with his white hair and pale skin. However, it is the way he brings out the subtle attributes of the character that makes it special. Even though he is hunting monsters, one can tell that deep down, Geralt of Rivia seeks to do the right thing. Cavill manages to bring out both sides of Geralt of Rivia and this leaves one impressed at the finesse in his acting. In her article, Page (np) reveals one interesting fact that leaves one wanting more from the show. Apparently, Henry Cavill (aside from getting acquainted with the books and games) did everything as explained by Page. While quoting Hissrich, Page writes that Henry Cavill played Geralt all the time and also did all the stunts. “Cavill didn’t use stand-ins, even when most of his face and body is concealed. If you see Geralt’s hand, his boot, or his elbow, it’s Cavill on-screen” (Page). What the above shows is that Cavill was dedicated to the show and his role as Geralt and this was greatly revealed in how he played the role. The fans of the show were greatly impressed by his acting and this did add to the show’s appeal. Williams (np) writes that fans of The Witcher were calling him perfect. In the article, Williams includes comments of several fans who simply say that Cavill was perfect as Geralt of Rivia. Kain (np) agrees with the fans’ comments in Williams’s article noting that Henry Cavill’s version of Geralt of Rivia is better. With such reviews, one can only guess the number of viewers who tuned in and put a stamp on Netflix’s decision to produce the show.
Aside from Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, another fascinating character that one falls in love with during the show has to be Yennefer. Yennefer played by Anya Chalotra is one of the most confusing yet intriguing characters. At first, she is presented as this frail character who is powerless and with no hope for a better life. However, when magic becomes a part of her life, Yennefer turns into a powerful and dangerous woman. But, these changes could not be as dramatic as they were in the show if it were not for Chalotra’s acting. Chalotra not only captures the frail Yennefer but is also able to capture the devil-may-care...