Castlevania: Nocturne Review – A Fresh Spin-off with Compelling Characters and Origins
When Netflix initially unveiled Castlevania, it breathed new life into a cherished video game franchise. With its captivating animation and a star-studded voice cast, the series proved to be a stylish adaptation that successfully captured the fantastical essence of the games while retaining their dark and grim themes. After a triumphant four-season run, it was only natural for Netflix to expand on this success by introducing Castlevania: Nocturne. This spin-off focuses on adapting two of the franchise’s most iconic entries: Castlevania: Rondo of Blood and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.
Continuity and Creativity
Created by Clive Bradley (completely separating the sequel from the problematic Warren Ellis, who created the original series) and produced by Kevin Kolde, Castlevania: Nocturne retains the signature animation style, skillful storytelling, and unrelenting action that characterized the original series. Set approximately 300 years after the events of Trevor and Sypha, we follow Richter Belmont (Edward Bluemel) as the brooding protagonist on a vampire-hunting mission during the peak of the French Revolution. By his side, we have the mother-daughter duo of Tera (Nastassja Kinski) and Maria (Pixie Davis), both formidable magic users and devoted French revolutionaries. Along their journey, they encounter a sorceress named Annette (Thuso Mbedu) and her companion Edouard (Sydney James Harcourt), an opera singer.
Familiar Faces with a Twist
Nocturne introduces more recognizable characters from the franchise, such as Richter, Annette, and Olrox (Zahn McClarnon), but it isn’t afraid to give them a fresh spin. Richter faces the daunting challenge of filling the shoes of Trevor Belmont (Richard Armitage), who exuded a more roguish and sardonic charm. While Bluemel does an admirable job with the new character, matching up to Armitage’s tone and timbre proves to be a tall order.
Annette Takes the Spotlight
Surprisingly, the true standout in Nocturne is Annette, and Mbedu delivers a remarkable performance, breathing life into a character who undergoes a significant transformation in the series. In the games, Annette often assumes the role of the pale, pretty girlfriend in distress, but in Nocturne, she emerges as an ex-slave from the Caribbean on a mission in France. Her power originates from her ancestral lineage, and although magic is prevalent in the series, hers possesses a unique and formidable quality.
Annette’s character experiences the most intriguing development as the series chronicles her escape from her vampire captors, her friendship with Edouard, and the eventual tragedy that befalls them upon arriving in France. Likewise, Edouard’s journey adds depth and complexity to a character who initially served as little more than a sidekick. His relationship with Annette and his character arc contribute fresh dimensions to the series’ mythology.
The Origins of Olrox
Meanwhile, the villainous Olrox receives an origin story, with a brilliant twist of making him Indigenous, showcasing McClarnon’s prowess as a voice actor. Olrox, a formidable vampire magician and Richter’s sworn nemesis, exudes an undeniable aura of menace. However, as his backstory unfolds, he transcends the stereotypical “bad guy” trope, adding depth to the narrative and providing our heroes with a more intricate adversary.
Castlevania: Nocturne, while not quite reaching the heights of the original series, offers a promising start and successfully reimagines key characters. Annette’s transformation and the development of supporting characters like Edouard breathe new life into the series, and the nuanced approach to Olrox’s character adds a layer of complexity to the story. Fans of the franchise can look forward to an engaging continuation of the Castlevania saga.
