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While it makes some rash decisions in terms of storytelling by not remaining true to its source material, The Witcher has nonetheless made a strong return with an impressive second season. Henry Cavill proves once again that he was born to play Geralt of Rivia, and this time he is also accompanied by stronger performances from the rest of the cast too.
The biggest flaw this season is definitely in its writing and pacing. For some odd reason, the writers decided to make room for abitrary plotlines by rushing through pivotal scenes, ultimately taking the viewers away from the experience. I found myself a bit disappointed with its conclusion. While it featured a visually stunning action sequence and some good plot twists, I couldn't help but feel it was all over the place - another unfortunate effect from its rushed pacing.
That said, I fairly enjoyed the majority of this season. The relationship between Geralt and Ciri is evoked brilliantly, and it does a good job at laying down the fundamentals for the future of the series. In contrast to its previous season, the supporting characters this time were much more interesting and entertaining to watch with the inclusion of some fan-favourite characters.
For me, when it comes to medieval fantasy worlds with rich lore, I absolutely fall in love with the material. In this case, the soundtrack, cinematography, and visual effects all play a key role in pulling the audience into this magnificent world of the Witcher. The world-building has probably been my favourite part about this series so far.
This season was definitely an improvement over its predecessor, both in terms of storytelling and CGI. It's fun and exciting, and it makes you want to watch more.
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“People," Geralt turned his head, "like to invent monsters and monstrosities. Then they seem less monstrous themselves. When they get blind-drunk, cheat, steal, beat their wives, starve an old woman, when they kill a trapped fox with an axe or riddle the last existing unicorn with arrows, they like to think that the Bane entering cottages at daybreak is more monstrous than they are. They feel better then. They find it easier to live”
Andrzej Sapkowski, The Last Wish
SCRIPT
Right off the bat the first season is boring as hell. There's too much worldbuilding and exposition. The fact that they wanted to tell the story on parallel timelines baffles me because it creates a lot of confusion, even though Westworld did it way better. The second season is improvement but the storytelling is still slow and rich of exposition. Fortunately there's an interesting twist but it isn't enough to say that it elevates the show's overall quality. Geralt is an interesting and fascinating character and, I think, the only one who makes this show watchable. Ciri and Jennefer are boring. Jaskier is remarkable but he doesn't have a lot of scenes.
The themes are a bit all over the place. The villains aren't interesting or threatning. It's a mild trainwreck in my opinion.
Script: 5/10
ACTING
Henry Cavill is the show's core and the main reason why this series still airs on netflix. The other actors are decent but unremarkable. They get better during the second season but their performance isn't enough to say that the show's acting is satisfying. I've expected more sincerely.
Acting: 6/10
PHOTOGRAPHY
Sometimes it's good, sometimes it isn't. This is a mixed bag. Some scenes are great but others are mediocre. I would say that most of the time the light is too bright and the shadows are too dark. Another issue is that colours don't have a real meaning and these're heavily saturated, an aspect which is sooo bad.
Photography: 5/10
EDITING
This isn't interesting. Apart from fight scenes, most of the series is shot in a boring, redundant way which doesn't help the audience. It doesn't engage the viewers a lot and this is a serious flaw. I've nothing more to say because I'm disappointed.
Editing: 5/10
SPECIAL EFFECTS
They're acceptable even though they're deeply flawed and, sometimes, offputting. I think that the show should've focused more on representing the monsters in a practical way rather than a digital way, because they don't seem threatning. Sometimes the CGI looks too fake, especially regarding buildings and such.
Special Effects: 6/10
SOUNDTRACK
It's good. It seems inspired by the videogame's music style and I think that it works well. What elevates it are the moments when Jaskier sings a new song. Beyond that there isn't much to say about it.
Soundtrack: 7/10
COSTUMES
The costumes seems well done and faithful to the source material. Even though they aren't exceptional, I find them appropriate and fitting for this series. Geralt's suit is the best costume and it's hard to surpass it in terms of quality and details.
Costumes: 6/10
CONCLUSION
Script: 5/10
Acting: 6/10
Photography: 5/10
Editing: 5/10
Special Effects: 6/10
Soundtrack: 7/10
Costumes: 6/10
AVERAGE: 5,71
A flawed series which could've been far better in the hands of more capable people. Henry Cavill is the only reason to watch it.
Director: Alik Sakharov, Charlotte Brändström
Screenplay: Lauren Schmidt
Cast: Henry Cavill, Freya Allan, Eamon Farren, Anya Chalotra, Joey Batey, MyAnna Buring, Royce Pierreson, Mimî M. Khayisa, Wilson Mbomio, Anna Shaffer, Mahesh Jadu, Tom Canton, Mecia Simson, Kim Bodnia
Soundtrack: Sonya Belousova, Giona Ostinelli
Running Time: 50 min
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