By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
Castlevania: Nocturne combines stunning animation, complex characters, and a rich storyline to create a dark and captivating gothic revolutionary-filled series.
Given my enjoyment of the Netflix Castlevania series, I had high expectations for this new spin-off, especially with its backdrop of the French Revolution. Moving away from the “Dracula era” of the story, but sticking with the Belmont bloodline, instantly gave a refreshing feel to the show, propped up by the positive elements, both thematically, narrativity and visually, that we have become accustomed to. This made for a tantalisingly exciting viewing experience, especially when the visual and narrative elements are executed this well.
As you would expect, one of the standout features of Castlevania: Nocturne is its animation. The series boasts a unique and visually striking art style that effectively captures the dark and brooding atmosphere of the main Castlevania series and its games. The action sequences are beautifully choreographed, with fluid animation that makes the intense battles between humans, monsters and vampires a stunning viewing experience. Castlevania: Nocturne colour pallet is a lot more vibrant and expansive, and I feel this gives the show another distinctive element.
In terms of the cast, Edward Bluemel voices Richter Belmont, a descendant of the Belmont family, and as a main protagonist holds his own in spearheading the series. To be a Belmont, you need to have something special about you, even so, there is enough room for needed growth and development that is pursued throughout the episodes and I feel was given the right amount of resolution for this stage of the first series. Keeping Richter on his toes is Maria Renard, voiced by Pixie Davies. Much like Richter, Maria has her own hero’s journey and one, I felt at times, eclipsed that of Richters. The addition of Annette, voiced by Thuso Mbedu, was an exciting factor and having her bring another kind of revolution, the slavery revolt, made for an explosive and poignant element of the storytelling. In supporting and antagonistic roles, I thought Richard Dormer as Abbot Emmanuel, Zahn McClarnon as Olrox, Franka Potente as Erzsebet and Elarica Johnson as Drolta rounded off the cast perfectly.
The series doesn’t shy away from its dark and mature themes. It delves into violence, tragedy, and the moral ambiguity of its characters, which may not be suitable for all audiences. Much like Castlevania, this darker and more graphic nature of the series serves a purpose and is another way of adding depth to the story.
So, the big question… “Do you have to have watched the main Castlevania series before watching this spin-off?” – the simple answer, is no! I think up until the last minute of the final episode, I would say no you do not need to have seen or know anything about Castlevania. However, if you have seen the main series, I think you’ll enjoy this next instalment in the wider franchise, especially in the finale.
Castlevania: Nocturne is a stunning addition to the Castlevania series, mixing dark fantasy and vampiric lore with a compelling narrative, breathtaking animation, and memorable characters!
X-Geeks 