The prequel series, Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance , tells its story in such a way that even a newcomer to this world can get completely immersed. The question then is whether it’s necessary to watch the original film, The Dark Crystal (1982) before watching the Netflix series. Strictly speaking, no, it’s not. But do yourself a favour and watch it anyway.
Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, the film was lauded for its groundbreaking use of puppets, animatronics, and special effects. Despite the relatively simple story, the draw remains the rich, detailed world with its own unique creatures (such as the majestic Landstriders) and plant life and interesting characters (who can forget The Chamberlain, hmmm?).
Now, released 37 years later, the Netlfix series proves to be a worthy addition to this universe. The story begins in voiceover, as in the original, telling us that the planet Thra, circling three suns, is home to seven clans of Gelfling. Following a matriarchal system, each clan is led by a Maudra and the All-Maudra, who is of the Vapra clan, heads all the clans.
At the centre of Thra, is the Crystal of Truth – the heart of the planet and the source of all life — protected by Mother Aughra (Donna Kimball). Thus existed life for millennia until creatures came from another world: the Skeksis. They built Mother Aughra an orrery so that she could discover the cosmos for herself and she, in turn, entrusted the Crystal to the Skeksis.
As the story begins, it has been a thousand trine since the Skeksis declared themselves Lords of Thra. The Gelfling believe that the Skeksis do them a great service by taking care of the Crystal and therefore respect, submit and work for them. But the Skeksis are a cackling, scheming bunch (with a flair for the dramatic). It is no coincidence that they resemble vultures (albeit with a Miss Havisham-like tendency towards their clothing). And in all this time, they have been abusing the power of the Crystal to replenish themselves and cheat death and therefore, corrupt the Crystal.
Thra, however, is conscious of the Darkening that is infecting her. Deep in the ground, live the Grottan clan, forgotten by everyone above ground. The Sanctuary Tree presents sweet and open-hearted Deet (Nathalie Emmanuel), a Gelfling who lives with her two fathers and younger brother, with a vision. Upon hearing it, the Maudra tells Deet to journey to Ha’rar and warn the All-Maudra. On the way, Hup, a Podling with big dreams, saves her life and joins her on the journey.
- Voice cast: Nathalie Emmanuel, Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Simon Pegg, Mark Hamill, Jason Isaacs, Helena Bonham Carter, Alicia Vikander, Mark Strong, Lena Headey, Donna Kimball, Awkwafina, Caitriona Balfe
- Director: Louis Leterrier
- Runtime: 10 episodes, each a little less than an hour
- Storyline: A prequel to Jim Henson’s 1982 adventure fantasy film, the Netflix series explores the world of Thra and the seeds of the Gelflings’ rebellion against the Skeksis
At the same time, Rian (Taron Egerton), the son of the commander at the Castle of the Crystal, Ordon (Mark Strong), wants nothing more than to prove to his father that he is capable and courageous. Aided by his girlfriend, Mira (Alicia Vikander), he sets out to catch a rogue spitter (resembling a large spider) but instead the duo stumble upon something far worse.
In Ha’rar, the All-Maudra (Helena Bonham Carter) has three daughters: patient Tavra (Caitriona Balfe), headstrong Seladon (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) who is in line to be All-Maudra and who desperately seeks her mother’s approval, and the youngest, kind and curious Brea (Anya Taylor-Joy). Brea gets a glimpse of the Skekis’ true nature at the tithing ceremony where every Gelfling must make an offer to them and they demand a farmer woman’s necklace. Later, at her favourite haunt — the library —Brea has a vision of a symbol and is determined to find out everything about it.
Mother Aughra awakens from her slumber as she realises something is very wrong in Thra and marches towards the castle to demand some answers from the Skeksis, whose plan to cheat death takes a very frightening turn. The story moves forward with Rian, Brea Deet and Hup finding each other and working together, along with Rian’s friend Gurjin and others. By doing so, they also overcome their fear and distrust of each other and set out on a quest that also tells them more about the Skeksis and how to defeat them, while rallying other Gelfling to their cause.
The series explores several themes such as friendship, love, redemption, justice, parental and sibling bonds, and social conditioning.
Being a fantasy adventure series, it is evocative of films such as Lord of the Rings and Avatar and even Star Wars, in certain aspects. The scenery is utterly gorgeous, especially in the photo-realistic establishment shots of the Castle of the Crystal, Ha’rar and the home of the Sifa clan. To get a better sense of the huge amount of creativity and effort and the sheer scale of the production involved from writing, directing, music and cinematography to set design, costumes, and puppetry, watch The Crystal Calls: Making the Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.
As for the cast, fascinatingly, every character is a puppet controlled by a puppeteer (CGI has been used sparingly), and the credits reflect that. In terms of character and voice acting, it is Deet, Brea and Seladon and the colourful yet humorous Mother Aughra who are the most interesting. But the standout, much like in the original film, is the wily and manipulative Chamberlain (Simon Pegg). As The Scientist, Mark Hamill is good but it’s too bad his prodigious voice talent is not on full display (if you haven’t heard him as the Joker, you are definitely missing out) and Awkwafina sounds like she is having a ball as the pustule-ridden The Collector.
The long and short of it is that yes, this is a big investment in terms of time (nearly 10 hours).. but a worthy pay-off nonetheless.
