Video game to anime is where it’s at. If they can somehow just follow the blueprint of this to live action maybe, just maybe, we might get the golden grail depiction we are all chasing.
A stand-alone sequel to the Castlevania animated series, it is based on the video game series of the same name by Konami. Set in 1792, during the French Revolution, it follows Richter Belmont, a descendant of the Belmont family, his adoptive sister Maria Renard. They must join forces with an unlikely crew of hunters and magicians to prevent an apocalypse from a vampire goddess.
Edward Bluemel voices the current Belmont this time round, Richter Belmont. He’s witty, charismatic and cheeky with someone hit liners, giving that masculine heroic persona. He also translates the emotions quite well giving a dynamic and complex character development. It’s a good performance. Thuso Mbedu is brilliant as Annette. As a potential “woman king” and former slave she really shines adding the African folklore spin on her character to make it more enriching and convoluted. Elarica Johnson is by far my favourite character as Drolta, vampire warrior. Cunning, vicious, driven, loyal, savage and more… all the ingredients you would want in a villain. Pixie Davies plays young Maria Renard, a young revolutionary and adopted sister to Richter. She’s brave, cute and formidable. Sydney James Harcourt is another standout especially with his opera style singing. There are scenes where it’s his singing backing on the action scenes and they make for some brilliant showings. It’s an excellent cast in which they embody their characters so well. The dialogue is so rich that at points you’re so engrossed and forget it’s an animation.
The animation is stunning. Flawless even. In battle scenes they utilise this rotating camera with semi 3D animation which just makes it all magnificent.
Compared to its prequel this time around the show is quite bright. With such a dark theme the colours are vibrant and eye popping (pun intended). The gore on display is next level and they are not shy with it. Powerhouse animations really delivered. As mentioned, the music in battles is fitting especially the opera singing scenes.
The writing is where it struggles a bit. The motivations and drive for some of the story plots needed more time and development. Some characters introduced but under used like Juste. Would have been good to see him join in the climactic battle in some capacity, felt like he was just written out. The slavery narrative the story some meat and made it a lot more grounded. What I did like story wise was the African folk tale connection. The myths of African deities like Ogun and other Nigerian gods playing roles in the show. They go as far as even using the Creole language in some parts. The one liners are epic and add to the drama. The action and animation are where its strengths are. Some big blowout scenes and a wicked climatic finale made for a good follow up to the previous but previous still edges it.
With an epic cliff-hanger I’m excited to see where the show goes next. I’m hoping this universe gets spin off on spin off on spin off! 8 episodes at 25min long, they definitely have a machine here that can go on for eons they just have make sure its regularly oiled. Recommended watch. Well done, Netflix.
Where do you think the show goes next? Who was your favourite character? What was your favourite one liner? React and comment below…
