If there’s one thing Netflix’s The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep proves, it’s that being a monster hunter is hard work—especially when half your job is playing detective and the other half is fending off creatures that want you as their next snack. This animated film takes us deep (pun intended) into the world of Geralt of Rivia, giving us flashbacks, a murder mystery, a musical number (yes, really), and enough brutality to make even the toughest warrior wince. And honestly? I loved every second of it.
Doug Cockle steps into the shoes of Geralt once again, and he absolutely nails the cold, gruff, “I have no time for your nonsense” persona of the White Wolf. Whether he’s interrogating suspicious fish people, slicing through monsters like he’s in a Dark Souls boss fight, or simply grunting his way through conversations, Cockle reminds us why he is Geralt.
And let’s not forget Joey Batey’s return as Jaskier, the bard who never met a lute he didn’t want to strum. If you’ve played The Witcher games, you know this world is full of ballads, so a musical number was bound to happen. Was it necessary? Maybe not. Did I love it anyway? Absolutely.
The animation? Slick. Crisp. A feast for the eyes. Most of it is hand-drawn, giving the film a classic fantasy charm, but there are moments where it shifts into that 3D cel-shaded style. Now, I’m not the biggest fan of that switch-up, but thankfully, it’s minimal, so I’ll let it slide.
At its core, Sirens of the Deep is a murder mystery. Geralt isn’t just swinging swords and dropping one-liners—he’s playing detective, trying to prevent an all-out war between humans and sea creatures by piecing together clues. Of course, every step forward means running into another monstrosity that wants him dead. That’s just life as a Witcher.
And speaking of monsters, this world is as rich as ever. You’ve got humans falling in love with fish people (ahem Shape of Water vibes, anyone?), grotesque creatures lurking around every corner, and political scheming that would make Game of Thrones proud.
Don’t worry, The Witcher hasn’t gone soft—this movie is full of blood, guts, and beautifully animated brutality. The action is fast, the first-person perspective fights are a stunning touch, and when things get messy, they get really messy. It’s not just about the carnage, though; this is a story of love, sacrifice, betrayal, and greed. A classic Romeo and Juliet-style tragedy, but with more monsters and fewer pointless balcony monologues.
By the end, Sirens of the Deep wraps up its tale while leaving plenty of room for more. And honestly? I need more. Give me more Geralt investigating supernatural crimes. Give me more Jaskier belting out questionable tunes. Give me more of this stunning animation and gritty storytelling. Netflix, keep ‘em coming.
