Based on the graphic novel of the same name, Cursed, the new fantasy series offered by Netflix, promised a rewriting of the legend of King Arthur in the feminine. With a young Lady of the Lake as the main character, is this promise really kept? What is this proofreading worth? Warning, spoilers! 
Cursed, a series for teenagers?
First of all, Cursed offers us stunning settings, which could rival those of Vikings or Outlander. From this point of view, the photography and the choices of realization are up to our expectations. Some scenes are very aesthetic – like the one about Nimue's drowning. One of the other good surprises of Cursed is that you would have thought it was yet another series for teenagers. However, it seems to be aimed at a much wider audience. Indeed, it is rather profound, and includes references and subtleties. This first season turned out to be rather violent, and is even not recommended for children under sixteen on the SVOD platform. In addition, the weight of persecution of the Faë people is particularly felt. These plunge us into a dark chaos, where everything can change from one moment to the next. It was also feared that the innuendo of love triangle between Nimue, Arthur, and Gawain, would take the direction of a series for teenagers. We narrowly escape the love triangle that would have brought nothing to the plot. The promise of a feminine rewrite was ambitious, but does not seem to go to the end of things. Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why), who plays the main character, seems to play without conviction, but also without the charisma necessary for the importance of Nimue for the Faë. It seems that her interpretation is the main downside of the series, and that the actress is in spite of herself, attached to a very adolescent universe. The Red Paladins, as antagonists, take center stage, and create a sense of oppression. On the other hand, King Uther Pendragon, played by Sebastian Armesto, remains generally in the background. His character then does not have the chance to develop, he who began to gain importance. Other less exploited characters such as the Tearful Monk (Daniel Sharman), on the other hand, have a large potential to exploit, and possess a charisma that arouses curiosity. However, arcs like this are neglected for others, sometimes less interesting. 
An original rewrite
The themes addressed by Cursed are rather current. The diversity of the actors also makes it a modern rewrite. Arthur (Devon Terrell), is a glaring example, taking this legendary character out of his Caucasian shell. In terms of casting, Gustaf Skarsgård plays a convincing Merlin, whose character is also rewritten. However, he reminds us of the eccentricity of his character of Floki in the Vikings series, but it is a register that corresponds to him. Some of the figures of Arthurian legend sometimes have two roles, as is the case with Ygraine/Morgane (Shalom Brune-Franklin). For others, you have to guess which character is the rewrite. Arthur's character was also rewritten. In addition, he has no blood relationship to Uther Pendragon, which could eventually offend purists. It is also unknown if Arthur will become king as legend has it. In view of the elements we have, we can assume that the rewriting will be total, and this even in the fate of the young man. In addition, Excalibur is called Devil's Tooth in the series. There is no mention of his legendary name, which could perhaps appear later. As a character in her own right, she has a real story, and a power as powerful as that of the Ring of the Lord of the Rings. Finally, this first season has some lengths, but has a rather good overall pace. Events intrigue and accelerate in the second half of the season, making it thrilling. The rewrite is then modern and convincing, despite a weak acting of its main actress. In any case, the stage is set, the action launched, and the characters are just waiting to be developed, if a second season is ordered by Netflix. In any case, this is not excluded.
