The Witcher Scene That Gave Everyone On-Set Goose Bumps
It's fair to say that Season 1 of Netflix's fantasy drama series "The Witcher" is not without its fair share of flaws. Perhaps the biggest problem with the inaugural season is the way it tries to weave together the overarching storylines of Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), Cirilla, Princess of Cintra (Freya Allen), and Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Charlotra), despite the fact that each one of those stories takes place during remarkably different time periods. The result is a confusing, messy story that only becomes completely coherent when the three timelines crash into one another in the season finale.
That said, there's also a lot to love about Season 1. Henry Cavill is brilliant as Geralt of Rivia, capturing all of the brutality and tragedy of that character while maintaining his signature stoic expression. The action is also absolutely incredible; whether you're watching a duel between two former lovers or a large-scale battle between hundreds upon hundreds of soldiers, you're on the edge of your seat every time. Suffice to say, there are plenty of spectacular moments scattered throughout "The Witcher" Season 1. In fact, according to director Marc Jobst (who worked on both "The Witcher" and Netflix's "Daredevil" series), there was one scene, in particular, that was so powerful it left everyone on set with goose bumps.
Jobst said the bar scene between Yennefer and Istredd gave the crew goose bumps
During an AMA on Reddit, Marc Jobst received a question about what his favorite directing moment was from his time on "The Witcher." While Jobst did clarify that there were far too many great moments to just pick one, he did specifically reference a Season 1 scene involving Yennefer and Istredd (Royce Pierreson) as one of his favorites. "The scene in episode 7 in the tent/bar in which Yennefer mischievously tries to win Istredd back," Jobst wrote. "The camera went down for an hour an a half and we were pushed for time. Anya and Royce are so good together and delivered sensational performances and it gave everyone goose pimples."
The scene in question saw Yennefer attempting to rekindle her relationship with Istredd after the two separated when Istredd betrayed her trust. What helps the scene work is the subtext behind these two characters and the relationship they once shared while studying at Aretuza. Yennefer came to the school having been mocked her entire life, and Istredd was the first person who treated her like a human being. All of their history hangs over this confrontation in the tent, and it's easy to see why the scene gave so many people goose bumps as the two reminisce over what might have been.
Alas, Istredd ends up rejecting Yennefer and the two go their separate ways. Still, their short discussion is undoubtedly one of the most emotional moments in the entirety of Season 1.