The Witcher: 'The Witcher' review – CNN

(CNN) Henry Cavill plays the title role in “The Witcher,” but giving a pulse to this dreary medieval fantasy series is too much of a job even for Superman.

Netflix is surely hoping the show will scratch the “Game of Thrones” itch, while merely demonstrating how difficult that brand of magic is to conjure.

Cavill is Geralt of Rivia, a mutant slayer of monsters, gruffly navigating a world of broadswords and bloody battles.

Based on a series of bestselling books that have also spawned a popular game, this season of “The Witcher” is burdened by a general stiffness, from the performances to the dialogue.

One would think a show filled with an abundance of blood, royal intrigue, the occasional orgy, and fantasy characters like elves and gnomes would have the requisite ingredients to hold your interest.