The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep (2025) – A Comprehensive Review & Where to Watch Online
Netflix’s latest animated adaptation, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep, is a visually striking yet polarizing entry into The Witcher franchise. Based on the short story A Little Sacrifice by Andrzej Sapkowski, this film promised an immersive dive into one of the most beloved tales from Sword of Destiny. However, with significant changes to the source material, it has left fans divided.
With Doug Cockle reprising his role as Geralt of Rivia and Joey Batey returning as Jaskier, expectations were high. Did Sirens of the Deep live up to its potential, or did it falter under Netflix’s creative liberties? Let’s break it down.
Plot Overview
Geralt of Rivia, the famed monster hunter, is hired to investigate a series of mysterious attacks on a coastal village. What initially seems like a routine contract unravels into a deeper conflict between humans and merpeople, threatening to ignite a war. As Geralt navigates political intrigue, betrayal, and forbidden love, he must rely on old and new allies to uncover the truth before tensions spiral out of control.
While the premise stays true to the original short story’s core conflict, Sirens of the Deep takes notable liberties—altering characters, shifting emotional beats, and leaning more into action than tragedy.
Strengths of the Film
1. Voice Acting Excellence
Doug Cockle’s return as Geralt is one of the film’s strongest elements. His deep, gravelly voice once again embodies the White Wolf, bringing back memories of The Witcher video games. Joey Batey as Jaskier provides the comic relief, and his chemistry with Cockle remains a highlight.
2. Visually Appealing Animation
Studio Mir, known for The Legend of Korra and Nightmare of the Wolf, delivers high-quality animation. The underwater sequences are particularly mesmerizing, capturing the eerie beauty of the ocean depths. Character designs are unique, and action sequences are fluid, though some viewers found them lacking weight.
3. Engaging Action Sequences
The film leans heavily on action, offering intense battle scenes that showcase Geralt’s swordplay and magical abilities. While some fans lamented the loss of the emotional depth from the original story, the combat is undeniably entertaining.
4. A Compelling Soundtrack
The score complements the film’s atmosphere, enhancing tense moments and emotional beats. While it doesn’t quite reach the haunting beauty of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s soundtrack, it’s a strong addition to the film’s appeal.
Major Criticisms
1. Deviations from the Source Material
Longtime Witcher fans were quick to point out that Sirens of the Deep takes significant liberties with A Little Sacrifice. Essi Daven, a key character in the short story, is fundamentally altered, and her tragic arc is softened, leading to a more optimistic ending that many felt undermined the emotional impact.
2. Lackluster Writing & Dialogue
One of the most common criticisms is the weak dialogue. Many lines feel forced or overly simplistic, failing to capture the nuance of Sapkowski’s original writing. Some exchanges come off as cliché, diminishing the film’s overall impact.
3. Questionable Character Choices
- Essi Daven: Fans were frustrated with her portrayal, noting that she lacks the depth and emotional weight she carried in the books.
- Agloval’s Language Confusion: A strange inconsistency where Prince Agloval appears unsure whether he understands the sirens’ language, adding to the disjointed storytelling.
- The Ursula-Inspired Villain: A particular point of contention was a character resembling Ursula from The Little Mermaid, who even breaks into song at one point. This choice felt out of place in The Witcher’s dark and grounded universe.
4. Weak World-Building & Direction
Compared to Nightmare of the Wolf, Sirens of the Deep feels less immersive. The setting and lore, which are crucial to The Witcher’s appeal, seem underdeveloped. Some moments feel like rushed plot conveniences rather than organic storytelling.
5. The Happy Ending Controversy
The most glaring deviation from the original short story is the shift to a more uplifting conclusion. The original A Little Sacrifice is known for its bittersweet, melancholic ending that lingers in readers’ minds. By altering this, the film loses a core element of what made the story so powerful.
Where to Watch The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep Online
Since The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep is a Netflix Original, it is exclusively available for streaming on Netflix worldwide, including the U.S. Unlike some other animated projects, it is not available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play.
For viewers in the U.S., here’s how to watch:
- Streaming: Available only on Netflix
- Subscription Required: Standard Netflix plans apply
- No Rental or Digital Purchase Options
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
Watch it if:
✅ You’re a casual Witcher fan looking for an entertaining action-fantasy film.
✅ You appreciate stunning animation and well-executed fight sequences.
✅ You’re nostalgic for Doug Cockle’s voice as Geralt.
Skip it if:
❌ You’re a hardcore Witcher fan expecting a faithful adaptation of A Little Sacrifice.
❌ You value strong writing and deep character arcs over flashy action.
❌ You dislike major changes to established lore and characters.
While The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep has its moments, it ultimately falls short as a faithful adaptation. The altered storyline, weak dialogue, and lack of emotional depth hinder its impact. However, if you approach it as a standalone action-fantasy film rather than a true Witcher adaptation, it might still offer some entertainment.
Despite its flaws, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep continues Netflix’s expansion of The Witcher universe. While it doesn’t reach the heights of Nightmare of the Wolf, it may still be worth a watch for casual fans.
💬 What did you think of the movie? Was it an enjoyable watch or a disappointing adaptation? Share your thoughts in the comments!
🎮 Want the true Witcher experience? Read The Witcher books by Andrzej Sapkowski and play The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt to experience Geralt’s story as it was meant to be told.
