The Rats A Witcher Tale Review: So yeah, Netflix finally dropped The Rats: A Witcher Tale (2025), a standalone Witcher spin-off that sneaked in right before The Witcher Season 4. I watched it the moment it came out, and here’s the thing: if you’re wondering whether to hit play or skip it, let me break it down like a real fan who’s been following Geralt’s universe since day one.
My Rating: 2.5/5
| Title | The Rats A Witcher Tale |
|---|---|
| Platform | Netflix |
| Genre | Fantasy, Action, Drama |
| Type | Standalone Film / Prequel to The Witcher Season 4 |
| Director | Mairzee Almas |
| Main Cast | Aggy K. Adams, Juliette Alexandra, Connor Crawford |
| Runtime | 1h 22m |
| Language | English |
| Country | United States / Poland |
| Based On | Characters from The Witcher Universe by Andrzej Sapkowski |
| Recommended Watch Order | Watch after The Witcher Season 3 and before Season 4 |
What This Movie Actually Is
This isn’t another full-fledged Witcher season. It’s more like a short prequel, a gritty detour that focuses on “The Rats,” that wild teenage outlaw gang Ciri bumps into at the end of Season 3.
If you’ve been curious about who they are, where they came from, and why they act like complete maniacs, this film gives you the missing puzzle piece.
It follows their backstory, a group of war-torn misfits who basically live off theft, chaos, and survival on the dark side of the Continent. These kids are angry, broken, and unfiltered. That’s what makes them interesting.
And yes, there’s a Witcher involved, played by Dolph Lundgren as “Brehen.” His appearance is short but sharp. The man plays an older, weary Witcher who’s clearly past his prime but still has that quiet menace. His performance genuinely caught me off guard, in a good way.
The Story (No Spoilers)
The plot revolves around the Rats planning a high-stakes heist, something that could change their lives for good (or destroy them entirely). The movie stays focused on their survival instincts, inner pain, and chaotic chemistry as a group. It’s dark, violent, and fast-paced… maybe too fast-paced at times.
If you’re coming straight from The Witcher Season 3, you’ll notice how this bridges the emotional and narrative gap leading into Season 4. That’s the biggest reason it exists: to make you feel the Rats before Ciri’s next chapter.
What Works (The Good Stuff)
| Good Points | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Character depth for the Rats | You finally understand their trauma and why they are the way they are. |
| Dark, gritty tone | Matches The Witcher’s signature world — violent, dirty, real. |
| Dolph Lundgren’s performance | A surprising and mature take on an aging Witcher. |
| Solid world-building | Gives a psychological and emotional base for what’s coming in Season 4. |
| Cinematic feel | The movie looks good — moody lighting, strong atmosphere, and solid editing. |
What Doesn’t Work (The Weak Spots)
| Bad Points | Why It Falls Short |
|---|---|
| Feels rushed | You can clearly tell this was supposed to be a mini-series, not a short movie. |
| Limited action | The real action scenes show up only near the end. |
| Some brutal violence | Not everyone will enjoy how graphic a few moments get. |
| No big payoff | Don’t expect Geralt or a massive reveal — this is a side story, not a main event. |
My Personal Take
Here’s my honest verdict: The Rats: A Witcher Tale is watchable but not essential.
If you’re a hardcore Witcher fan and want to understand the Rats’ psychology before Season 4, absolutely watch it. It’ll make their role later feel more grounded.
But if you’re a casual viewer who just wants Geralt, Yennefer, and monster fights, you won’t miss much if you skip it. It’s short, intense, but not mandatory viewing.
What really stood out to me was the tone. The whole thing feels raw and hopeless, and that’s kind of the point. It’s not a fun ride; it’s a dark peek into the Witcher universe’s underbelly. Personally, I liked that it dared to stay true to its darkness instead of going for cheap fan service.
Also Read: The Witcher Season 4 Review: Liam Hemsworth Swings the Sword — But Can He Replace Henry Cavill?
Should You Watch It Before Season 4?
Yes, if you care about continuity. Watching this first will help you follow Ciri’s arc more smoothly in Season 4.
No, if you’re only here for the main Witcher storyline and don’t want a detour.
Rating
⭐ 2.5 out of 5
It’s well-made, moody, and adds value to the Witcher universe, but it doesn’t hit the emotional or narrative heights of the main series. Still, for Witcher fans like me, it’s a satisfying appetizer before the next season drops.
Final Verdict
Watch The Rats: A Witcher Tale (2025) for the characters, tone, and atmosphere, not for big revelations or action.
It’s the kind of movie that adds flavor to the Witcher universe but doesn’t change the recipe.
If you’re a completionist or a lore junkie, hit play.
If not, you can skip it and jump straight to The Witcher Season 4 without losing much.