In another world. In another time. In the age of Wonder. Well, 1982 to be precise. The Dark Crystal revealed to us the world of Thra. Jim Henson’s cult classic introduced a younger generation to a world of high fantasy crawling with imaginative creatures and a lurid landscape, ruled by the sinister Skeksis, an alien-avian hybrid race that has all but eradicated one of native inhabitants of Thra, the Gelfing. The Gefling were a race of elf-like creatures that ruled over the once lavish lands of Thra before falling victim to the ire of the Skeksis.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (trailer here) teleports the audience to a time when Thra was teeming with life. A time before the annihilation of the Gefling and the scorching of Thra’s fantastical scenery. An age when the seven Gefling clans still lived in a false and fragile harmony with their Skeksis overlords. From the Spriton Plains, the hallowed halls of Stone-In-The-Wood, and the ancient city of Ha’rar, the world building in Age of Resistance is exquisite. Creators Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews have added layers of further immersion to an already rich and diverse universe.
The strength of the word building is second only to the world-class casting. After a few episodes, the puppets seem to transform before your eyes. The voice acting is simply superb. Truth be told, it’s what made me love the series as much as I did. Spear-headed by former Death Eater Helena Bohnam Carter and Queen of the Westeros Lena Headey, the matriarchs of Gelfling society are well represented. With a cast featuring names like Natalie Dormer, Jason Isaacs, Simon Pegg, Andy Samberg, Eddie Izzard, Sigourney Weaver, and Keegan-Michael Key, it’s apparent why the residents of Thra leap off the screen. The star of the show, however, is Mark Hamill and his portrayal of the Frakensteinian scientist Skeksis, SkekTek.
Moving between insanity and evil genius in most scenes, Hamill’s performance is sure to please those familiar with his extensive voice acting career. The character captures the essence of the The Dark Crystal, pun intended. Light-hearted at times, harrowing at others. Friendliness decaying to ferocity. Welcoming yet unnerving. This isn’t The Light Crystal, after all.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is an alchemical journey through the mystical land of Thra. The story of a struggle of a society to unite should be one we identify with in these dark times. An epic journey awaits for a new generations, filled with many emotions. Fans of the original movie need not fret. The spirit and quality of the original and present and deeply expanded upon. You will be both enamored and frightened by what Mother Aughra has to show you. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is available to stream on Netflix beginning today!
WICKED RATING: 9/10
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