Notification: The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Standouts as an Unrivaled Artistry Marvel
"The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance" is a monumental, mind-blowing fantasy epic that stands tall among the greatest adventures of all time. It's a true masterpiece, folks, and we're not just saying that. We've revisited this mesmerizing series on a whim and found ourselves yearning to sing its praises once again.
In 2019, Netflix dropped this gem – a 10-episode prequel series to the 1982 film "The Dark Crystal." While the original film didn't enjoy massive success at its release time, it gradually amassed a devoted fanbase. This dedicated group of enthusiasts collaborated to expand the mythology of the original film into a richer, more thrilling, and visually stunning tale that surpasses the movie in every aspect. The collaboration was facilitated by Jeffrey Addiss, Will Matthews, and Louis Letterier, obvious superfans of the original series. Netflix, in partnership with the Jim Henson Company, did this beauty justice with some of the world's most remarkable puppetry ever achieved.
We couldn't contain our excitement for this masterpiece when it first hit the screens. It bagged our "Favorite Television Show of the Year" title, and we even had to report the heart-wrenching news that it wouldn't return for a second season.
The plot revolves around the inhabitants of the world Thra discovering their ruling race, the Skeksis, are evil incarnate. A group of Gelfling from various tribes unite and stage the resistance, ushering in the Age of Resistance against the Skeksis. The storyline offers all the dramatic twists and turns that fantasy lovers crave. Each character is complex and multidimensional, the action is gripping and impactful, and the elements of world-building and cinematography coalesce to create an emotionally charged, awe-inspiring journey.
But what elevates this series to a whole new stratosphere is the puppetry. As the years march on since the original, the intricacy of the puppetry has intensified. The creatures now sport more details and noteworthy expressive qualities, much like a talented actor masterfully delivering a performance. The voice cast is one for the ages, boasting big names like Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Mark Hamill, among others. This ensemble worked seamlessly with the puppet performers, charging each character with an unparalleled level of life.
Unfortunately, the medium sometimes draws criticism and disregard from audiences. Some people assume that a puppet show is meant for juvenile viewers. But "Age of Resistance" is darker and more mature than most live-action shows airing every week. It's filled with gruesome scenes of life-essence draining, graphic deaths, disturbing violence, and intense psychological warfare. It's safe for children, but it's also far more adult than boatloads of popular live-action series.
Despite its unorthodox medium, it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with blockbuster fantasy films like Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings." It's equally impressive, if not more so, in terms of storytelling, world-building, and craftsmanship. Additionally, it enhances the original story, adding depth and subtext unmatched by the movie.
The only complaint is that the show seems intended for a longer run than just one season. The ending is satisfying, but it leaves us with some unanswered questions when we return to the film's timeline. Hundreds of years have passed, and the race of Gelfling seems to have faced genocide, as the essential key to defeating the Skeksis and healing the world is never found. But, as executive producer Javier Grillo-Marxuach told us in 2019, plans for the future addressed these questions if season two hadn't been greenlit. Sigh, we're still waiting, Javier!
Because, as you may know, Netflix decided to halt the series at a single season due to the high production costs and modest viewership. It's a real pity, because many have missed out on a genuine classic. Right now, you could be bingeing an absolute treasure trove of passion, creativity, and love – a series that continues to impress with its depth and beauty long after you've experienced it. It deserves a spot alongside the greatest epic franchises: "Star Wars," "Star Trek," "Lord of the Rings," "Planet of the Apes," "Alien," "Game of Thrones," and more. Believe us when we say it's worth your time, whether you're a newcomer or a returning viewer.
"The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance" is still available on Netflix. Watch it here. Trust us when we say you won't be disappointed.
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- The future of television is exciting, with series like "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance" pushing the boundaries of puppetry and storytelling, surpassing even the original film in every aspect.
- The puppetry in "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance" is so remarkable that it challenges the notion of puppet shows being meant for juveniles, delivering darker and more mature content comparable to popular live-action series.
- In the series, a group of Gelfling from various tribes unite to stage a resistance against the evil Skeksis, creating an emotionally charged, awe-inspiring journey that stands tall among the greatest adventures of all time.
- Fans of "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance" can stay updated on the latest news from the world of Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who by following io9 news.
