A Timeless Masterpiece: The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Demands Your Attention

Hyperbole in entertainment reviews is rampant. Every new release is "groundbreaking," every performance is "iconic," and every show is a "must-watch." These words, once reserved for truly exceptional works, are now tossed around with reckless abandon, diluting their meaning and making it difficult to discern genuine quality. However, in the case of Netflix’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, released in 2019, the praise cannot be overstated. It is not merely a good show; it is a fantasy adventure of all-time status, a masterpiece deserving of the highest accolades.

This isn’t a review triggered by an anniversary, a new release, or any specific event. It stems from a recent re-watch, a spontaneous decision that reignited a deep appreciation for the series’ unparalleled artistry and storytelling. The magic of Thra, its inhabitants, and the epic struggle at its core captivated anew, demanding that its virtues be proclaimed from the metaphorical mountaintops.

Age of Resistance is a ten-episode prequel to the 1982 Jim Henson/Frank Oz film, The Dark Crystal. While the original film didn’t achieve immediate blockbuster status, it cultivated a devoted following over the years. This dedicated fanbase provided the foundation for the prequel series, allowing a team of passionate creators, including showrunners Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, and director Louis Leterrier, to expand upon the film’s lore, crafting a story that surpasses its predecessor in richness, excitement, and sheer beauty.

Produced in collaboration with the Jim Henson Company, Age of Resistance showcases some of the most breathtaking puppetry ever conceived. The series’ visual splendor is a testament to the dedication and artistry of the puppeteers and creature designers, who breathed life into the fantastical world of Thra with astonishing detail. The puppets are not merely props; they are characters with distinct personalities, emotions, and motivations, brought to life through meticulous craftsmanship and nuanced performances.

Upon its initial release, Age of Resistance garnered widespread acclaim. It was lauded for its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. The show earned numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its place as a standout achievement in the fantasy genre. However, amidst the celebration, came the devastating news that the series would not be renewed for a second season, a decision that left fans heartbroken and yearning for more.

Set hundreds of years before the events of the film, Age of Resistance delves into the origins of the conflict between the Gelfling and the Skeksis. The story centers on a group of Gelfling from different clans who uncover the dark secret of the Skeksis’ rule. They discover that the Skeksis, the planet’s supposed benevolent rulers, are corrupting the Crystal of Truth, the source of life for Thra, and exploiting the Gelfling for their own sinister purposes.

Led by a diverse and compelling cast of characters, the Gelfling unite to resist the Skeksis’ tyranny, sparking the "Age of Resistance." This epic narrative encompasses everything one could desire from a high-fantasy adventure: multifaceted characters with complex motivations, thrilling action sequences with genuine stakes, and a world brimming with intricate details and rich history. Every element of the show, from the meticulously designed sets to the evocative music and skillful camerawork, converges to create a sweeping, emotional journey filled with moments of wonder and awe.

The show’s unique medium, puppetry, elevates the storytelling to new heights. The tangible quality of the puppets, their intricate designs, and their expressive features add an undeniable layer of artistry to every scene. The puppets’ subtle facial expressions and nuanced movements, expertly manipulated by skilled puppeteers, rival the performances of live-action actors.

Adding to the series’ appeal is its stellar voice cast, a roster of talent that reads like a who’s who of Hollywood A-listers. Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nathalie Emmanuel, Simon Pegg, Mark Hamill, Jason Isaacs, Benedict Wong, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Andy Samberg, Helena Bonham Carter, Harris Dickinson, Hannah John-Kamen, Keegan-Michael Key, Ralph Ineson, Awkwafina, Eddie Izzard, Toby Jones, Lena Headey, Alicia Vikander, Natalie Dormer, Mark Strong, Theo James, Bill Hader, and Sigourney Weaver are just a few of the names that lend their voices to the characters of Thra.

Despite their celebrity status, each voice actor is given equal credit alongside the puppet performers, acknowledging the collaborative nature of the production and the importance of the puppeteers’ contributions. Henson icons such as Dave Chapman, Kevin Clash, Louise Gold, and Alice Dinnean are among the talented individuals who breathed life into the puppets, bringing their characters to life with remarkable skill and artistry.

Unfortunately, the medium of puppetry often leads to misconceptions and dismissals. Some viewers mistakenly perceive the show as being solely for children, overlooking its complex themes, mature storytelling, and surprisingly dark content.

Age of Resistance is not a lighthearted children’s program. It delves into mature themes of oppression, corruption, and sacrifice. The show features scenes of graphic violence, including the draining of Gelfling essence, horrific deaths, and psychological warfare. The Skeksis’ cruelty and depravity are on full display, challenging viewers’ expectations of a typical puppet show.

In fact, Age of Resistance is arguably more adult in its themes and content than many live-action shows on television. It tackles complex moral dilemmas and explores the darker aspects of human nature, presenting a nuanced and thought-provoking narrative that resonates with adult viewers.

Compared to Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, often considered the gold standard for modern fantasy cinema, Age of Resistance holds its own, arguably surpassing it in certain aspects. The depth of its storytelling, the meticulousness of its world-building, and the level of craft invested in its production are all exceptional.

Like Lord of the Rings, Age of Resistance enhances its source material, expanding and enriching the original film’s mythology and lore. Where Lord of the Rings served as an epic sequel to The Hobbit, elaborating upon the beloved story, Age of Resistance elevates The Dark Crystal, adding layers of subtext and meaning to the existing narrative.

The tragedy of Age of Resistance lies in its premature cancellation. The first season concludes with a satisfying ending, as the creatures of Thra, led by the Gelfling, discover the means to defeat the Skeksis and restore balance to their world. However, knowing that the film, set hundreds of years later, depicts the near extinction of the Gelfling and the loss of the key to defeating the Skeksis casts a shadow over the show’s hopeful conclusion.

The fate of the Gelfling, who unite in the season finale to reclaim their world, is ultimately a tragic one. They are not only defeated but seemingly subjected to genocide. What events transpired between the show’s conclusion and the film’s beginning remain a mystery, a void that fans desperately yearn to fill.

Executive producer Javier Grillo-Marxuach hinted at the show’s future plans in a 2019 interview, stating that the narrative was carefully constructed to address the fate of the Gelfling and the events leading to the film. He promised to reveal the full story if the show was not renewed for a second season. As of now, that promise remains unfulfilled.

The cancellation of Age of Resistance by Netflix, attributed to its high production costs and insufficient viewership, is a devastating loss for fans and a missed opportunity for the streaming service. Those who have not experienced the magic of Thra are truly missing out on a modern classic.

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is a testament to the power of imagination, artistry, and storytelling. It is a show that deserves to be celebrated and cherished alongside other epic franchises such as Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Planet of the Apes, Alien, and Game of Thrones.

Don’t let the medium of puppetry deter you. Age of Resistance is a sophisticated, thought-provoking, and visually stunning masterpiece that will captivate your imagination and leave you yearning for more. It is one of the best achievements of the Jim Henson Company, one of the best offerings from Netflix, and one of the best viewing experiences you will ever have.

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance remains available on Netflix. Embark on this extraordinary journey and discover the magic of Thra. You will not be disappointed.