Netflix recently added The Last Witch Hunter, a dark fantasy action movie starring Vin Diesel, to its streaming lineup as of June 16. Directed by Breck Eisner and originally released in 2015, the film promised an exciting blend of swordplay and supernatural thrills. However, despite its intriguing premise and star power, the movie fails to deliver the entertainment many viewers hoped for.
Plot Overview: A Cursed Hunter vs. Dark Sorcery
The movie follows Kaulder (Vin Diesel), an immortal warrior cursed after killing the powerful Witch Queen centuries ago. Now part of an organization called “The Axes and Cross,” Kaulder protects humanity by hunting rogue witches who threaten the fragile peace between humans and supernatural forces. When a modern coven attempts to resurrect the Witch Queen, Kaulder and his allies—portrayed by Michael Caine, Elijah Wood, and Rose Leslie—must stop them to save humanity.
For fans of fantasy movie plots, this setup sounds promising: immortal hero, dark magic, and high-stakes battles. Yet, the execution leaves much to be desired.
Why “The Last Witch Hunter” Misses the Mark
Critically, the movie has struggled to find favor. It currently holds a low 18% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a lukewarm 44% on Popcornmeter, reflecting a mixed to negative reception from both critics and viewers.
Many critics highlight that the film is a dull and plodding effort. Guy Lodge of Variety described it as a “limp, lame-brained occult thriller” that’s “too drab to succeed even as defiantly unvirtuous trash.” The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw was equally harsh, calling the film “dismal and dull” and unfavorably comparing it to other entries in the witch-hunting subgenre, such as Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters.
The movie struggles to convince audiences that Vin Diesel fits the lead role, as his usual action-hero charisma seems out of place in this somber, self-serious fantasy. Although the visual effects and fight scenes occasionally add excitement, the overall tone is heavy-handed and lacks the fun, campy energy that could have made it a guilty pleasure.
Kyle Anderson of Entertainment Weekly summed it up well: “It should be crazy fun on paper—Vin Diesel murders witches with a flaming sword!—but the only thing The Last Witch Hunter will successfully eradicate is insomnia.”
A Caution for Netflix Viewers
For those browsing Netflix’s growing collection, The Last Witch Hunter is not recommended unless you have a particular interest in darker, slower-paced fantasy films. Fans looking for engaging supernatural stories may want to skip this one and instead explore other offerings in the genre. For example, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves provides a far superior blend of fantasy action and humor.
Conclusion
While The Last Witch Hunter offers a fantasy movie experience with a notable cast and an intriguing premise, its poor execution and lackluster pacing make it a disappointing entry in the fantasy action genre. The film’s attempt to blend dark fantasy with action falls short, making it a forgettable addition to Netflix’s catalog and the wider film industry.
