The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf – The Wolf’s Nightmare

The Witcher is a series of short stories, books, videogames, graphic novels, movies, and television series based off of characters created by Polish author, Andrzej Sapkowski.  Witchers are magically enhanced monster-hunters who, for some coin, will rid your land of the most horrific of beasts. The main character in most of the storylines is Geralt of Rivia (played by Henry Cavill in the 2019 Netflix series).  Nightmare of the Wolf acts as a prequel and centers on Geralt’s mentor, Vesemir (Theo James).  It tries to explain, why there are so few Witchers left in the world.  It is a story full of twists and turns, love and betrayal.

As Vesemir is battling a Leshen, who should not be able to speak, the creature says something in an old language just before dying, leading Vesemir to believe there is someone else behind the recent emergence of monsters in the forest near the northern kingdom of Kaedwen.  This sends him on a journey linked to his past as a child servant in a noble house and a revelation about the people he trusts the most.  In flashback, we see what leads to Vesemir becoming a Witcher and what he gave up and all he lost.  Meanwhile, Tetra Gilcrest (Lara Pulver), a sorceress at the Kaedwen Court, seeks to rid the world of Witchers, who she believes to be dangerous and the cause of the recent outbreak of monsters in the near by forest.  Tetra and Vesemir are thrown together given the task to rid the forest of the monsters that are terrorizing the land.  The story culminates in a final battle whose outcome could be the annihilation of all Witchers.

I have not read any of the books or played the video games, though I have been told that the games are very good.  I did love the Netflix series.  As a fan of magic and monsters, sword and sorcery, a well woven story is always appreciated.  The Nightmare of the Wolf is a great companion piece and gives a bit of an explanation as to why Geralt is who he is and to explain why Witchers are in short supply.

The animation is very good leaning towards an anime style.  The colors are all rich and vibrant with some great imagery.  The script is well written, but you do need to pay attention.  I was trying to multitask while watching it and got lost at several points and needed to rewatch it to really get the full understanding of what was happening.  The storyline is intriguing and complex, with plenty of action, excitement and monsters, but also a bit of romance, comedy and drama.  The vocal talents are quite good.  Theo James’ Vesemir is appropriately arrogant but with a certain charismatic charm that draws you in.  You aren’t sure if you love him or should despise him.   Lara Pulver’s Tetra is jaded and angry, which she plays quite well.  I might of liked seeing her character’s history to see what made her that way.  That might also give the character a bit more emotional range. I love how the title of this movie could have so many meanings.  The wolf being the symbol of the Witchers.  Nightmare of the Wolf could mean that the Witchers are the nightmare bringing pain and death,  or it could mean that this is the Nightmare of the Witchers, their final battle and their genocide.