REVIEW: ‘Witch Hat Atelier’ Episode 11 – “The Test in Serpentback Cave”

As we move towards the finale of Season 1, Witch Hat Atelier Episode 11 delivers an understated and thoughtful look at our most diminutive member of Qifrey’s (Natsuki Hanae) atelier. As Richeh (Hika Tsukishiro) asserts herself, her stubbornness is a key feature in “The Test in Serpentback Cave.” The story once again demonstrates that there’s more to Kamome Shirahama’s story than simply magic. 

Witch Hat Atelier Episode 11 is a major setup as the girls – Agott (Hibiku Yamamura), Coco (Rena Motomura), and Tetia (Kurumi Haruki) – ready themselves for the second of The Pentagram Test on their journeys to becoming qualified witches. Yet, despite clearly paving the way for a bombastic finale, the episode still manages to cast a sense of whimsy and even melancholy over the bouts of domesticated peace the atelier finds itself in. As Qifrey helps Coco study, lounging Olruggio (Yuichi Nakamura) appears in the background (in a hilarious visual gag), and Richeh proves her reluctance to learn under anyone’s parameters but her own. 

Because while Coco is awestruck by magic and takes interest in the spells of others, Richeh doesn’t understand why she should have to learn anyone’s spells but her own. She trusts Qifrey, but, as we learn later in the episode, agreed to be his apprentice because he promised he wouldn’t force her to learn in any strict manner. She desires freedom in how she learns and creates. 

Richeh rebukes structure as she paves her own path in becoming a qualified witch.

Witch Hat Atelier Episode 11 doubles down on that in two pivotal moments. The first is when Coco finds her, tucked away in maybe the best hideout ever, an overgrown My Neighbor Totoro-style den that masquerades as a basin. As the two talk, we learn more about Richeh through scattered thoughts and revelations.

Little things, such as the decorations that hang around her room, are actually spells she’s created herself, which indicate her spirited behavior while reminding us how young they all are. And then, bigger elements, such as a brief flashback showing her brother and a past that led her to believe most adults are untrustworthy, treating children as if they have no will of their own. 

This moment between Coco and Richeh, and Richeh’s recollection of her time before the atelier, offer necessary insight into how she behaves and why. The story constantly reminds us that, despite all four girls training to become qualified witches, they each have their own motives, desires for how their magic will manifest, and preferences for how they learn. 

Compassion is key to helping others learn. 

It’s such a simple concept: we all learn differently. If anyone ever tries to describe the rules of a game, or give me a list of things I need to do to accomplish anything, I check out. Give me the visual aids, thanks, or let me put it together myself. And yet, the idea that everyone learns at their own pace with their own strengths can sound like a foreign concept to anyone who has gone through an educational system. It’s why (well, one reason why) Shirahama’s story is so wonderful. Because it shows, through Qifrey, someone who is a patient, compassionate teacher who knows how to guide, support, and push when necessary. 

So while he acquiesces mainly and lets Richeh dictate her own path, he also knows that she’ll benefit from the second test. The arrival at the Serpentback Cave is a crucial moment in Witch Hat Atelier Episode 11. She didn’t know she was going to take the test and was initially angry when Qifrey suggested it. He tells her she’ll learn and grow from this experience and only become stronger as she seeks to become a witch of her own making. He asks her to trust him, just this one time, even if she’s reluctant to participate in a test she’s anxious over. 

The test also brings Alaira (Kotono Mitsuishi) back into the fold after her brief appearance in Episode 3. She’s there to guide the students through the cave. It’s the arrival of fellow apprentice Euini (Hiiro Ishibashi) that truly drives home the episode’s point. Insecure and casually berated by his teacher, Euini has already failed the test twice before, and his teacher has seemingly given up on him, not even remaining for the test. Where the animation once again takes pains to show how often Qifrey crouches down to get to eye level with his students, Euini’s teacher never even looks down at him, calling him, essentially, a failure before leaving him for the test. 

Witch Hat Atelier Episode 11 shows the results of teachers who aren’t as kind as Qifrey.

While Qifrey is clearly withholding information from his students, there’s no denying he cares for them and puts time and attention into teaching them. It’s clear from how he speaks to them and how he teaches each of them, catering to their individuality. This introduction paints a tragic portrait, affirming Richeh’s distrust of adults who don’t believe that children have thoughts of their own. 

Witch Hat Atelier Episode 11 delivers wonderful, insightful moments that enrich the story while further developing the magical system. Or, rather, introducing more magical tricks that show how it’s utilized in the day-to-day lives of witches. Little touches such as stones Olruggio creates for the girls and Qifrey that will help them get a good night’s rest due to the warmth they exude, or the way in which the test takers and teachers will disguise themselves throughout the test (a trick that has them masquerading as the Myrphon’s they’ll be protecting) 

Even the Myrphons themselves are drawn with fantastical details. And there’s something poignant and well-layered in the story about the test, where the girls have to guide the creatures along the path without letting them come to any harm or distractions. A clear parallel to how Qifrey is helping to guide the girls on their own paths without causing them undue stress. 

With thoughtful storytelling and strong animation, Witch Hat Atelier readies for the finale.

The animation remains consistently good, making it easy to overlook. But once you remember, the quality is evident. Not just in how the characters move or their physicality, which help express their innermost feelings, but in the lavish backdrops and scenery that give weight to the world. The view of the Serpentback Cave is gorgeously wrought, painterly in its evocation of life. And when it expands as the girls pass through for the test, it grows cavernous and haunting, a looming shadow as they walk with steely intent. Each stroke is carefully composed, building a world that feels tangible and ancient. 

Witch Hat Atelier Episode 11 is subtle storytelling with notes of expressive animation. While it clearly is setting up the finale as the momentum begins to stir, “The Test in Serpentback Cave” is undeniably effective. We care so much about these characters that their stress over a test and Qifrey’s concern for them are enough to hold our attention. And it still goes above and beyond through gorgeous artistry and thoughtful examinations of how we progress and the limitations of structure. 

Witch Hat Atelier Episode 11 is out now on Crunchyroll. 

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