Cursed (2020) is a reimagining of the legendary Arthurian tales, based on the illustrated novel by Frank Miller and Tom Wheeler. Released as a Netflix series, it takes a fresh approach to the familiar myth by focusing on Nimue, a young woman destined to become the Lady of the Lake, an iconic figure in Arthurian legend. The show is directed by Zetna Fuentes and stars Katherine Langford as Nimue, with a cast that includes Devon Terrell as Arthur and Gustaf Skarsgård as Merlin.

Plot Summary:

The story is centered around Nimue, a young Fey girl with mysterious powers that she struggles to control. After her village is attacked and her mother is killed by the Red Paladins, a fanatical religious order bent on exterminating magical creatures, Nimue is entrusted with a powerful sword. Her dying mother tasks her with delivering the sword to Merlin, a once-great magician who has fallen from grace. Along her journey, Nimue meets a mercenary named Arthur, and together they set out on a perilous adventure to protect the sword from falling into the wrong hands.

The sword, which is hinted to be the legendary Excalibur, has immense power and a deep connection to Nimue. As she comes to terms with her destiny, she is forced to make difficult decisions that challenge her morality and sense of identity. Merlin, who is initially portrayed as a manipulative and secretive figure, has his own agenda tied to the sword and its potential to change the balance of power in the kingdom.

Themes and Characters:

The show explores themes of destiny, identity, and the corruption of power. At its core, it tells the story of a young woman struggling with her fate and the burden of wielding a legendary weapon. Nimue’s journey is one of self-discovery as she grapples with her powers and the responsibilities that come with them.

Katherine Langford’s portrayal of Nimue offers a mix of vulnerability and strength, showing her evolution from a village outcast to a leader among the Fey. Arthur, on the other hand, is depicted differently from his traditional portrayal. Instead of being a noble and destined king, he is a wandering sellsword with flaws and a complex relationship with honor. Merlin, played by Gustaf Skarsgård, is a mysterious and morally ambiguous character, far removed from the wise and powerful sorcerer usually seen in Arthurian tales.

The Red Paladins, led by Father Carden (Peter Mullan), are the main antagonists of the series. They are ruthless in their pursuit of eradicating magic, serving as a metaphor for religious fanaticism and intolerance. The show also introduces the Weeping Monk (Daniel Sharman), a skilled warrior with a dark past, who becomes a compelling character as his backstory is revealed.

Visuals and World-Building:

Cursed is visually stunning, with its fantasy landscapes, detailed costumes, and dark, mystical atmosphere. The world of the Fey is richly developed, and the show emphasizes the tension between the magical creatures and the human world. The sword itself becomes a character in its own right, with its immense power and history gradually revealed throughout the series.

The special effects, especially in scenes involving magic and battle sequences, are well-executed, though the series doesn’t rely heavily on spectacle. Instead, it focuses more on character development and storytelling, blending action with moments of quiet reflection.

Reception:

The show received mixed reviews. While many praised the unique twist on the Arthurian legend and Langford’s performance, others criticized its pacing and inconsistent tone. Some viewers appreciated the way Cursed delved into the backstory of Nimue and the Fey, but others felt the narrative was sometimes convoluted and slow-moving.

One point of contention was the show’s attempt to balance between being a dark, gritty fantasy and a coming-of-age story, which led to tonal shifts that didn’t always work seamlessly. However, fans of Arthurian lore and epic fantasy still found much to enjoy in its reimagining of classic characters and mythology.

Conclusion:

Cursed is an ambitious and visually captivating series that offers a fresh perspective on the Arthurian legend by shifting the focus to Nimue, the Lady of the Lake. With a strong performance by Katherine Langford, it blends elements of magic, adventure, and political intrigue, while also exploring deeper themes of identity and power. Although its execution may not have been flawless, Cursed remains an interesting take on a well-known legend, appealing to both fans of fantasy and those interested in modern reinterpretations of mythological stories.