Dark Crystal, Age of Resistance Review: on par with GOT and LOTR for fantasy-driven adventure…

The Dark Crystal (1982), Jim Henson’s and Frank Oz otherworldly fable, enjoys a loyal cult following. Anyone who loves worldbuilding, creature design and metaphorical oppressive alien hierarchies, surely loves The Dark Crystal.

Panned by critics, adored by a niche fanbase, and now beloved Netflix has given Jim Henson’s beloved classic a dash of brilliance. The streaming giants has created one of the most faithful adaptations ever conceived.

The distinctive tone and aesthetic of the original film is replicated and expanded upon, with touches of CGI used when necessary to expand the world we know as, Thra.

The prequel’s unique selling point is that it barely alters the techniques used in the film 37 years ago.

These are clearly puppets, backed by minimal CGI and with each character credited to two performers, puppeteer and voice artist. (If you haven’t read up on the extensive, expensive voice cast, there’s a fun game afoot as you try to name them, with extra points for noticing how many were in Game of Thrones, and a triple nerd bonus if you guess which character Mark Hamill plays.)

MEET THE GLORIOUS DESIGNED CHARACTERS:

Viewers will find themselves charmed by the gentle and big-eyed cave dweller Deet and outraged by the Princess Seladon.

More complicated are the feelings evoked by the evil Skeksis, selfish creatures out of nightmares with grating voices and violent tendencies.

While actors like Nathalie Emmanuel, Taron Egerton, and Anya Taylor-Joy give sweet and lively performances to the Gelflings, it’s the voice actors for the Skeksis who are clearly having a ball.

Age Of Resistance is a puppet-only space (yip, with no sight of humans anywhere, and Culturedemandsgeeks are glad), and the show proves to be a visually spectacular journey, quite unlike anything else on television. (Just in case it wasn’t clear before, this truly is a high fantasy that takes place in an entirely different world from our own, with no human in sight.)

There’s a great deal going on in Thra – the seven Gelfling clans each have their own distinct culture, bonds, and rivalries, but all are complicit in the tyranny of the Skeksis, the corrupt ruling class of the imaginary world of Thra.

Below the Gelfling are the Podlings and Gruenaks, gentle, Hobbit-like races that are enslaved and abused by the Skeksis. The urRu are shamanic, mystical hermits existing on the fringes of the story, while Mother Nature, or rather, Mother Aughra, is a hybrid between Yoda and Gandalf the Grey.

Finally, there are the Arathim, spider-like creatures that share a hive-mind, and prove to be far more empathetic than their intimidating appearance would suggest. Thra is a very fertile fantasy world, devoid of the usual Tolkien-esque dwarfs, orcs, and elves, though still infused with the tropes of the genre.

When Culturedemandsgeeks hear the puppet fantasy show is purely for the die-hard fans, we ‘scoff’ at the dirty lie.

“BLAH! BLAH! BLAH!” we say to the moaners and groaners.

Yeah, we know some scenes, in particular, have a tendency to look ridiculous, like the fighting scenes, calling to mind kids throwing dolls into the air while shouting: “Uh! Bam! Uh! Aaah!” It’s distracting that when creatures run, their little toddling feet hover over the ground. Most unhelpful is the design of the Gelflings, whose lack of expression, but…

That’s the fun of the show, you have to invest yourself in the imagination of another world. When it comes to the story, it’s a perfect entry point for newcomers to the fantasy genre, though the beats may be familiar to those steeped in sword-and-sorcery storytelling.

BRINGING A FANTASY WORLD TO LIFE:

The show is a mind-boggling and stunning achievement in craftsmanship. The 84 practical sets alone are a fantastic achievement; from the bioluminescent caves, dank dungeons, lush forests, or airy throne rooms.

Each of these sets are then filled to the brim with details that lure viewers to want to stay and peer around the corner to see what other discoveries could be made.

And then there are the puppets that populate Thra.

Beyond creating the four major races – the Gelflings, Skeksis, the gentle Mystics, and the comical Podlings (plus, Mother Aughra), the series stuffs its world full of imaginative and delightful creatures.

Whether it’s the Crystal Skimmers, giant gliding manta rays that transport Gelfling in the desert, or the self-illuminating critter-plant beings found in the forests, Thra is teeming with fascinating puppet life designed by Brian Froud and his son Toby Froud.

Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, and Awkwafina are just a few of the famous names who helped bring the puppets to life in Netflix’s fantasy series…

The Gelfling

Deet, voiced by Nathalie Emmanuel

Playing the gentle Grotton cave dweller, Emmanuel is best known as Missandei on “Game of Thrones” and Ramsey from the “Fast and the Furious” franchise. She can also currently be seen in Hulu’s “Four Weddings and a Funeral.”

Rian, voiced by Taron Egerton

Before playing the heroic castle guard-turned-resistance fighter, Egerton also saved the world as Eggsy in the “Kingsman” films and starred in the Elton John biopic “Rocketman.”

Brea, voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy

“The Witch” and “Split” star plays Brea, the youngest and most scholarly of the daughters of the All-Maudra.

The All-Maudra, voiced by Helena Bonham Carter

The veteran actress is no stranger to playing powerful women in fantasy projects ranging from Bellatrix Lestrange in the “Harry Potter” franchise to the Red Queen in “Alice in Wonderland.” She’ll also be seen as Princess Margaret on Netflix’s “The Crown.”

Tavra, voiced by Caitriona Balfe

The “Outlander” star takes up a sword as a brave paladin and the middle daughter of the All-Maudra.

Seladon, voiced by Gugu Mbatha-Raw

The “Belle” and “Black Mirror” actress plays the All-Maudra’s eldest daughter who is the most taken in by the Skeksis’ lies.

Cadia, voiced by Eddie Izzard

The actor and standup comedian plays the wise Sifa elder who isn’t too keen with Brea’s questions.

Onica, voiced by Natalie Dormer

The “Game of Thrones” and “The Tudors” actress plays Onica, the assistant to Cadia who’s more than ready to rise in the ranks.

Maudra Fara, voiced by Lena Headey

Yet another “Game of Thrones” alum, Headey plays the leader of the Stonewood Clan who joins Rian in battle against the Skeksis.

Ordon, voiced by Mark Strong

“The Imitation Game” and “Kingsman” actor plays Ordon, the father of Rian and captain of the guard at the Crystal Castle.

Rek’yr, voiced by Theo James

Before playing the rakish Dousan leader who comes to the aid of Brea and friends, James is best known as Four in the “Divergent” films and the late Kemal Pamuk from “Downton Abbey.” He’ll also star in PBS’ upcoming series based on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel, “Sanditon.”

Gurjin, voiced by Harris Dickinson

Dickinson most recently played the kidnapped heir of the Getty oil fortune in the FX series “Trust.” Here, he plays castle guard Gurjin, one of the Drenchen clan and best friend of Rian.

Naia, voiced by Hannah John-Kamen

The actress is best known for portraying Dutch from Syfy’s “Killjoys” and most recently played Ava in “Ant-Man and the Wasp.” Here she plays Naia, the twin sister of Gurjin.

Kylan, voiced by Shazad Latif

Latif, best known for playing Ash Tyler on “Star Trek: Discovery,” portrays one of the Spriton clan, a song teller who helped Brea and Rian share their memories and mourn.

The Librarian, voiced by Toby Jones

“The Detectorists” and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” actor plays the Vapra librarian who must deal with Brea’s inquisitive ways.

Mira, voiced by Alicia Vikander

The “Tomb Raider” and “Ex Machina” star plays the castle guard and girlfriend of Rian.

The Skeksis

The Emperor (skekSo), voiced by Jason Isaacs

The star of “Star Trek: Discovery, “The OA,” and “Harry Potter” provides the voice for the leader of the Skeksis who has a secret weapon.

The Chamberlain (skekSil), voiced by Simon Pegg

“Star Trek” and “Shaun of the Dead” star Simon Pegg plays the wily, scheming, and ambitious member of the Skeksis.

The Collector (skekLach), voiced by Awkwafina

“The Farewell” and “Crazy Rich Asians” star gives voice to this disease-ridden Skeksis who collects the tributes from the Gelfling.

The General (skekVar), voiced by Benedict Wong

Wong, lately of the MCU and Syfy’s “Deadly Class,” plays the hot-tempered Skeksis who’s loyal to the Emperor.

The Gourmand (skekAyuk), voiced by Harvey Fierstein

The multiple Tony winner plays the Skeksis who organizes the elaborate banquets.

The Ritual Master (skekZok), voiced by Keegan-Michael Key

The “Keanu,” “Friends From College,” and “Brain Games” star portrays the Skeksis who’s responsible for guiding the group’s cultural practices.

The Scientist (skekTek), voiced by Mark Hamill

The “Star Wars” veteran plays The Scientist, who developed the technology that harnesses the essence from creatures through the Dark Crystal.

The Hunter (skekMal), voiced by Ralph Ineson

This “Chernobyl” and “Game of Thrones” alum plays the Hunter, an unusually nimble Skeksis who lives away from the Crystal Castle as he hunts.

The Heretic (skekGra), voiced by Andy Samberg

The comedian gives voice to the goofy Skeksis outcast who believes that the Skeksis should reunite with their Mystic other half to once again become the urSkeks.

The Mystics

The Archer (urVa), voiced by Ólafur Darri Ólafsson

Seen in “True Detective,” “The Missing,” and “The Widow,” Ólafsson provides the voice of the Archer, who is the Mystic counterpart of the Skeksis known as The Hunter. He’s also a friend of Mother Aughra.

The Wanderer (urGoh), voiced by Bill Hader

“Barry” star and comedian Bill Hader provides the voice of The Wanderer, who is the Mystic counterpart of the Skeksis known as The Heretic. He enjoys putting on puppet shows.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Sometimes, Netflix shows feel bloated, but the 10 long episodes on offer here tend to keep the structure of the storytelling alive, and also dishing out small dollops of side-adventure too.

But these 10 episodes expand the mythology in ways that fans of the original movie have always wanted, but it also leaves the door open for much, much more. Age of Resistance gives us a satisfying conclusion in supplying backstory and connective tissue to The Dark Crystal while also allowing for plenty of room to play should more seasons be ordered. And Culturedemandsgeeks for one hope they are.

Those invested in this world will lap up every aspect of the fantasy-laden puppetry-led show, meaning that, for better or worse, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is unabashedly just not a fans-only thing.

Everyone can enjoy it.

5/5 STARS

“The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” is currently streaming on Netflix.