Parents' Guide to

Castlevania: Nocturne

By Danae Stahlnecker, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Graphic vampire horror has history lessons, language.

TV Netflix Action 2023
Castlevania: Nocturne TV poster: A shot of Richter's back as he faces a blue cloudy landsape

A Lot or a Little?

What you willā€”and won'tā€”find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

age 15+

Based on 1 parent review

age 15+
First of all, this series falls in the steps of its predecessor in continuing the saga of vampire hunters. For kids who are used to a good amount of violence and real life topics, this shouldn't be too far outside their wheelhouse, however parents should still use their best judgment. The topics of slavery, prejudice and the fight for freedom are not addressed in childish terms, the characters who fight for this lose life and friends. I believe that there is an overarching message of perseverance in this show, but the message is written in blood. Overall, that representation is fantastic in it's variety. Freedom fighters determined to fight for justice, women are portrayed with their natural range of emotions, with the mother Tera being a fantastic role model of kindness, courage and strength. A vampire whose native people were killed and a religious man are involved romantically, showing that love of God and man go hand in hand. No full frontal nudity is shown, only hinted or strategically hidden. Drinking is shown but is kept to a minimum. There is swearing, so make sure your kid (or you) can handle plenty of F-bombs. Nocturne does not quite reach the level of goriness that its predecessor reveled in, but there's still a fair amount of violence and dismemberment as well as several flashbacks where characters are traumatized or tortured. All in all, I'd say that this is great for teens who aren't going to be easily scared or parents who can handle a fair amount of violence.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This captivating historical fantasy blends magic and horror in an insightful allegory for oppression and uprisings. Castlevania: Nocturne, though gruesome and dark, isn't violent for violence's sake. The action contributes to a larger story about power, resistance, and where cruelty truly lies in the institutions that make up society. Interesting characters with divided loyalties and complicated backstories add weight to a show that would otherwise be one vampire battle after another. Above all, the core message is one of light amidst darkness, even though evil is everywhere. Though an installment in a larger series franchise, Castlevania: Nocturne stands strong on it's own and doesn't require having watched other installments or played the original games.

TV Details

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