Unveiling the Spectacular World of Castlevania: Nocturne - A Must-Read Review

Can the format of the highly acclaimed Castlevania Netflix series be adapted to support a fresh story, characters, and setting? Castlevania: Nocturne boldly answers this question with a resounding yes. In its first season, Nocturne proves to be a remarkable evolution of its predecessor, encapsulating everything that makes the franchise, the genre, the medium, and its potential for new beginnings truly excellent.

While Warren Ellis, the showrunner of the original Netflix series, is notably absent from this spin-off, Clive Bradley, renowned for his exceptional work in writing several highly regarded UK crime dramas, takes the helm as the showrunner. Sam and Adam Deats continue their directorial roles, ensuring a seamless continuity between the two series while infusing Nocturne with a refreshing distinctiveness. In collaboration with Powerhouse Animation Studio, this captivating new team brings a wealth of creativity and innovation to the source material.

Castlevania: Nocturne takes place 300 years after Trevor, Sypha, and Alucard successfully saved the world from the clutches of Dracula. The year is 1792, and the French Revolution is in full swing. In a captivating twist, vampire aristocrats revel in opulence while the impoverished population suffers. Richter Belmont, the sole remaining descendant of the esteemed Belmont Clan, is a youthful and determined monster hunter. He resides with Maria Renard, a sorceress who leads a group of fearless revolutionaries against the wealthy and influential. Following the extermination of several vampires one night, Richter and Maria hear rumors of a "vampire Messiah" who is said to bring about the end of the world. Initially dismissing it as mere myth, their perspective shifts when Annette, an escaped slave, and Edouard, an opera singer, appear before them to assert the reality of this impending threat. Together with Maria's mother, Terra, they uncover a profound conspiracy involving perilous forces that put the entire world on the brink of eternal darkness.

Comparisons between Castlevania and Nocturne are inevitable. Although they have many similarities, Nocturne stands out by taking bold steps in its own direction. The theming in Nocturne is much stronger, with vampires representing more than just the targets of the French Revolution. Instead, they embody the very forces that granted them power, such as wealth, greed, colonization, slavery, and racism. These monsters use their influence to oppress those they consider inferior, while the heroes, rebellious and youthful, fight against the established order. The rich and powerful are unmistakably portrayed as evil, leaving no ambiguity. Overthrowing them becomes the only morally correct option. The role of the church in this conflict adds an additional layer of complexity, making Nocturne even more politically aware than its predecessor, all without sacrificing its action-packed nature.

As expected, the fight scenes in Castlevania: Nocturne are magnificent. It achieves the same level of power and impact as its older counterpart. Each protagonist brings with them a visually captivating fighting style that continuously evolves. Richter wields the Vampire Killer with the same flair as his ancestor, Trevor, but adds his own touch with a pair of daggers. Maria, unlike Sypha, summons strange creatures to tear apart her enemies. She bears resemblance to Megumi Fushiguro from Jujutsu Kaisen, with all the implications that come with it. Annette, a descendant of a god, can manipulate stone and metal with her mind. Edouard, on the other hand, serves as a musical accompanist, providing diegetic music alongside the breathtaking score. Although the villains may not reach the same level of iconic status as Dracula, they are deeply captivating. Add unpredictable elements like Olrox into the mix, and the action remains consistently enjoyable. Every action set piece, without exception, builds up the excitement and leads to a satisfying climax.

If there is one area where Castlevania: Nocturne can improve, it's unlikely to remain a weak spot for long. Without revealing any spoilers, the season finale demands a continuation. It has become somewhat of a tradition for this franchise to build up to a visually stunning conclusion, only to leave viewers wanting more. Remember the first season of Castlevania? It consisted of only four episodes, solely dedicated to introducing characters and establishing the groundwork for the captivating second season. Nocturne's debut does not feel as limited. It doesn't come across as a trial run or a mere proof of concept. However, it's evident that there is much more to explore with this concept. Regardless, it is an exceptional season of television. Considering Netflix's questionable cancellation decisions, any cliffhanger becomes a risky move. The conclusion of Nocturne could be interpreted as a promise for future developments. Failing to deliver on that promise would be a significant loss for everyone involved.

Fans of Castlevania will absolutely love Nocturne, and even those who are unfamiliar with the series are likely to enjoy it. With its captivating new color palette and impactful messaging, Nocturne takes the franchise to a whole new level, delivering a satisfying experience for dedicated fans. By expanding the mythology of the series, Castlevania: Nocturne sets the stage for a promising future, hinting at the potential for more exciting installments to come. While it may not always reach the emotional heights of the original, Nocturne consistently maintains a higher standard of quality. For those who have longed for the inclusion of Richter Belmont, your prayers have finally been answered.

Castlevania: Nocturne

Pray for Richter Belmont, the last descendant of his clan of vampire hunters, as he joins a band of heroes to defeat an all-powerful monster at the height of the French Revolution.