By Ben Wright (@Iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
Synopsis:
Set within Netflix’s Witcher universe, Sirens of the Deep adapts the beloved short story A Little Sacrifice from Andrzej Sapkowski’s Sword of Destiny. This animated adventure follows Geralt of Rivia as he becomes entangled in a conflict between humans and merfolk, all while navigating the murky depths of political intrigue, dangerous magic, and personal dilemmas. Alongside his ever-loyal companion Jaskier, Geralt must determine where his loyalties lie and what he’s truly willing to sacrifice.
While I’ve always loved Henry Cavill’s live-action portrayal of Geralt, Doug Cockle – best known as the voice of Geralt in The Witcher video games – has always been “my” Geralt. So hearing him take the lead in Sirens of the Deep was a real treat. He slips back into the role effortlessly, bringing that familiar gruff charm, dry wit, and depth we know and love. His dynamic with Joey Batey’s Jaskier is easily the film’s strongest and most enjoyable aspect. Their banter, chemistry, and heartfelt moments add warmth to the adventure, making it feel like a classic Witcher tale.
Christina Wren shines as Essi, a bard whose role in the story brings an emotional core to the narrative. She’s a fantastic addition to the cast and fits in seamlessly. Anya Chalotra also reprises her role as Yennefer, though her appearance is more of a cameo than a key part of the story. Even so, her presence adds to the overall Witcher vibe and helps tie the film into the wider Netflix universe.
While I enjoyed Sirens of the Deep, I don’t think it has quite the same wow factor as Nightmare of the Wolf. It’s a fun and exciting adaptation, but it feels more like a side quest than a grand, must-watch chapter in the Witcher saga. Casual viewers may find it enjoyable but not particularly memorable, whereas die-hard fans of the books and games might appreciate its faithfulness to the source material more. Some of the supporting characters felt underdeveloped, and a few performances didn’t quite hit the mark, making parts of the film feel a little lacklustre.
Visually, Studio Mir delivers their distinct animation style again, maintaining the aesthetic established in Nightmare of the Wolf. While it’s not groundbreaking, it’s still beautifully crafted, with dynamic action sequences and atmospheric world-building that immerse you in the story.
Overall, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep is a solid entry in The Witcher franchise, offering a compelling, if not entirely groundbreaking, adventure. If you’re a fan of the series, it’s definitely worth a watch – especially for the return of Doug Cockle’s Geralt – but don’t go in expecting a game-changer.
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