Cursed (Netflix) Review

Recently released Netflix show, Cursed, stars Katherine Longford, Devon Terrell, Gustaf Skarsgard, & Daniel Sharman. Cursed follows a young girl who was raised to believe that she was a “demon spawn” only because she had powers that she couldn’t control. When her mother was killed before her, her dying wish to take a sword to the infamous Merlin, but the sword decides her fate the moment her hand touches the hilt, giving her strength and power in battle and using her anger to make decisions that could end up to be the wrong one.

Certainly, this show is one that I would gladly go back and re-watch, especially as they begin to release more seasons too, for the many Merlin fans that miss the show just as much as I do, Cursed is a good reimagine to enjoy, after the many years of missing Merlin. The storyline kept me hooked throughout the whole show, there was even a point where I was watching loads at a time and didn’t realise when one episode finished and the next began. There were also many major plot reveals and twists, especially some between a few of the main characters.

Though the title of the show, doesn’t hide any important aspect of the show that can be watched and have an ‘oh’ moment. Instead, the title is mentioned quite a few times throughout the show as the main character is called “Cursed” by the people who wish her gone. Another is the plot of the show, in the original myth Nimue was to steal Merlin’s magic and even imprisoning him, as well as she would entrust Arthur with the Excalibur sword. In other plots they aren’t even sure on what her true name is, there were at least three different names that she would go by.

Speaking further on Merlin’s character, he is portrayed as a drunk and manipulative mad man, instead of heroic. Though it is said that this version is closer to the original look into the original character. Merlin is played by Gustaf Skasgard, which he fits the role perfectly, though with his down sides, he does try his best to make sure that the world doesn’t get burned down by the humans who fight for the power of the sword.

Something also striking about the show was the VFX, though sometimes a little off, it all seemed very real especially the green fay flame that can be seen in episode four. For the soundtrack, there was some brilliant songs many that have been featured in other shows, such as The Witcher, The Mandalorian, Altered Carbon and many others. The most popular track that is within the soundtrack, is sung by Katherine Langford the main actress within the show who plays Nimue.

Another thing to mention, was the reveal of Daniel Sharman’s character the Weeping Monk, as for a while, it was just a name mentioned, until they showed him but never his face. His face was only then revealed after his persona was shown, the destruction he caused upon towns and families, following the instructions of his father. Of course, for the promotion of the show, they did reveal his face and name in many posts, but also never quite revealing the true nature of his character. It is not until the audience then watches the show, to see that he is a villain.

As a whole, show will definitely be a favourite for the audiences who enjoy the fantasy genre, with there being faye, a druid, and many hybrids, with horns, antlers, and the body of a bird. If not so interested in the genre but are wanting to watch for an actor/actress that is involved, then it is definitely still worth the watch, even if its just the once. Personally, I enjoyed the show very much, and would be at the top of my list as a favourite, for the fantastical genre and the many actors/actresses that got me intrigued just from the trailers. Also have found some new actors/actresses that I would like to follow more of their work from the past and future.

As expressed, though very indulged in the fantasy genre, there are some looks into romance between father & daughter, and a few couples too, there is even a small wedding too. As well as some action too, with many battles throughout all the episodes. As a final decision, though the show does have some flaws, I certainly do enjoy watching the show, with the many array of different characters both good and bad people and those who can’t seem to decide whether they want to be an evil person or they want to be on the good side.