Unleashing the Dark Beauty: A Review of Castlevania Nocturne

Castlevania: Nocturne Review: Move Over Dracula, It’s Erzsebet Bathory’s Turn

A Worthy Successor to the Beloved Original

Netflix’s animated series, Castlevania, based on the classic video game series of the same name, took the world by storm when it first premiered in 2017. Fans were finally treated to a video game adaptation that not only honored the source material but also stood on its own as an entertaining and visually stunning show. Now, the highly anticipated sequel, Castlevania: Nocturne, is here to continue the legacy. While the first season of Nocturne may have some slight pacing issues, it largely captures the essence of what made the original series so beloved.

A Dark and Gruesome Setting

Set in 1792, about 300 years after the adventures of Trevor Belmont, Nocturne immerses audiences in the chaos of the French Revolution. The gory violence is cranked up to a whole new level, with action sequences that extract every last drop of blood, guts, and body parts from the Night Creatures that stalk the streets of Paris. The monster designs in this show are truly sickening, in the best way possible.

The Ensemble Cast Shines

While Richter Belmont, voiced by Edward Bluemel, takes the center stage as the smart-ass vampire hunter with a personal vendetta, Nocturne excels in allowing other characters to shine. Annette, portrayed by Thuso Mbedu, is a reimagined character and stands out as the highlight of the series. Her partner Edouard, played by Sydney James Harcourt, provides a heartbreaking story that adds depth to the overall narrative.

Inspired by the Games, but Not Bound by Them

Nocturne draws inspiration from the Konami games, particularly Rondo of Blood, but it also takes creative liberties to further develop its own unique narrative. Annette, originally a damsel in distress, is transformed into a badass sorceress seeking vengeance. The series also explores influences beyond the games and delves into the realms of Voodoo and Egyptian mythology, adding unexpected and intriguing elements to the story.

Complicated and Sympathetic Antagonists

Nocturne introduces the cruel vampire queen Erzsebet Báthory and her lieutenant Drolta Tzuentes as its main antagonists. While technically inspired by the games, they are presented as whole new characters in the series. Olrox, one of the better baddies in the show, proves to be a more complex and sympathetic character than his video game counterpart. The show tackles the clergy with a critical lens, much like the original series, portraying them in a less-than-favorable light.

A Well-Told Story with Some Minor Flaws

The plot, written by Clive Bradley, is overall well-told and maintains a brisk pace, particularly when focusing on Annette and her determination to bring down the vampire plot in Paris. However, some plot threads fall flat, including a third act twist that changes our perception of Richter’s partners, Tera and Maria Renard. Richter’s character arc also suffers a setback after a defeat that sends him running from the central conflict. Despite these minor flaws, the first season of Nocturne ends on a tantalizing cliffhanger, leaving fans eager and demanding for more.

A Bold Departure from the Original

What sets Nocturne apart from its predecessor is its ability to carve its own path. Rather than simply rehashing the adventures of Trevor, Sypha, and Alucard, Nocturne boldly separates itself from the original storyline and explores new directions. With its brutal action sequences, impressive character designs and weapons, easter eggs, and nods to video game lore, Nocturne proves itself to be a satisfying entry in the Castlevania series.

Editorial Analysis

Castlevania: Nocturne continues the success of the original Netflix series by delivering an intense and visually captivating story set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. While the pacing may falter at times and certain plot threads may not reach their full potential, Nocturne‘s exploration of new characters and its departure from the original storyline demonstrate the show’s willingness to take risks and forge its own path. Fans of the Castlevania franchise will be delighted by the show’s ability to pay homage to the source material while simultaneously offering fresh and unexpected twists.

The series’ dark and gritty animation style, combined with its action-packed sequences and grotesque monster designs, creates an immersive and visually striking experience. The voice acting, particularly the performances of Edward Bluemel as Richter Belmont and Thuso Mbedu as Annette, adds depth and personality to the characters, making them relatable and engaging.

Nocturne‘s exploration of Voodoo and Egyptian mythology adds a unique and intriguing layer to the story, expanding the show’s scope beyond the traditional vampire-hunting narrative. The complex and sympathetic portrayal of the antagonists adds depth and nuance to their characters, making them more than just one-dimensional villains.

The cliffhanger ending of Nocturne leaves fans eagerly anticipating the next installment, as it promises to further explore the captivating world established in this first season. The show has the potential to continue to surprise and captivate audiences with its bold storytelling choices and visually stunning animation.

Advice

For fans of the original Castlevania series or those who enjoy dark and action-packed animated shows, Castlevania: Nocturne is a must-watch. Despite some pacing issues and minor plot setbacks, the show excels in its ability to deliver intense and visually striking sequences, compelling characters, and unexpected twists. The series’ willingness to deviate from the original storyline and explore new narratives keeps the story fresh and engaging. Prepare to be immersed in a world filled with gruesome monsters, complex characters, and thrilling action. Castlevania: Nocturne is available for streaming on Netflix, and it promises to leave audiences eagerly awaiting the next installment.