Adapted by Tom Wheeler (creator of the comics-flavored series “The Cape”) from his book with comics-artist-turned-filmmaker Frank Miller, the series handsomely features the expected trappings — bloody battles, wizardly magic and a heroic quest — but puts them together in a fairly tiresome way. It’s not bad, exactly, just lifeless.
Along the perilous journey, she meets a young soldier of fortune named Arthur (Devon Terrell), at first a somewhat grudging ally; and must dodge an assortment of perils, among them an order of Red Paladins led by the ruthless Father Carden (“Ozark’s” Peter Mullan).
The names check lots of boxes — including the untrustworthy King Uther (Sebastian Armesto) — though trying to line this up with the “Camelot” or ‘Excalibur” versions of events feels like a fool’s errand.
The most distinctive flourish might be the comic-book-like animation fleetingly used as connective tissue between scenes, a taste of Miller’s contribution that isn’t enough to make “Cursed” more involving. Much of that has to do with the characters, whose back stories are slowly teased out — including more about what makes Nimue special — but remain a trifle malnourished.
Even grading on that not-too-steep curve, “Cursed” proves uninspired. For those with an affinity for tales of Camelot, that point of reference and associated expectations might not be a curse, but they certainly aren’t a blessing.
“Cursed” premieres July 17 on Netflix.