Ever since Lisa Henson and Louis Leterrier took the stage at New York Comic Con 2018 to reveal a brief, behind-the-scenes look at The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, I’ve been counting down the days until its premiere. The series, a prequel to Jim Henson‘s 1982 classic, hits Netflix at the end of this month. Since it’s been some time since I watched the film, I screened it so it would be fresh in my mind for the new series. And I have to admit, even four decades after it premiered, elements of The Dark Crystal are still terrifying.
If you haven’t seen the original film, here’s the basic synopsis: when the Dark Crystal cracked 1,000 years ago, two races — the Skeksis and the Mystics — appeared in the magical world of Thra. Ever since, the Skeksis have used the Crystal to continually replenish themselves and rule over the now-decimated planet. To avoid a prophecy that foretells their doom (“When single shines the triple sun, what was sundered and undone shall be whole. The two made one by Gelfling hand or else by none”), they murder the entire Gelfling race… except for two children, Jen and Kira, who escape and are raised by the Mystics and the Podlings, respectively.
Shortly before his death, Jen’s master tells him that he must find the astronomer Aughra, retrieve the broken piece of the Dark Crystal from her, and heal it. Because neither of them know about Kira, Jen is told he’s the only one who can do this deed. So he goes on a hero’s journey that once again changes Thra irrevocably — this time, for the better.
From here on out, expect spoilers for the movie; if you don’t want to know what happens and you haven’t seen it, stop reading!
I can’t remember the last time I watched The Dark Crystal, but I know I must have been very young. As a kid, the Skeksis — vulture-like creatures with disgusting habits and thin, reedy voices — absolutely terrified me. The Mystics, on the other hand, seemed like homely grandparents I wanted to hug. And Kira, who could talk to animals and had a weird, growly companion named Fizzgig, seemed so incredibly cool. I don’t recall how I felt about Aughra or Jen, or if the actual plot of the film affected me at all.
However, upon rewatching as an adult, many of my feelings have not changed. In 1982, Henson’s use of animatronic puppets was revolutionary; although it’s been 37 years, the film still feels magical and unique, a masterpiece in and of itself. The Skeksis are still terrifying, still disgusting, still ugly. The mystics still seem like sweet, aging friends I’d like to sit down with for a cup of tea. And Kira is still the coolest… although, I must admit, watching this movie now left me with a deep fondness for Aughra that rivals my love of Ursula and Madam Mim.
Earlier this year, my partner took me to the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens, which has an ongoing Jim Henson exhibition. In addition to Muppets, Sesame Street characters, and film reels, the exhibition also features concept drawings for The Dark Crystal and even a full Skeksis puppet: SkekZok, the Ritual Master.
In person, SkekZok is my height (5’7″) and more detailed than I ever could have realized. Quite frankly, seeing the actual size of it gave me chills, even knowing — from that brief featurette shown at NYCC — that the puppets used in The Dark Crystal are quite large. Although there is no Gelfling puppet on display, it’s easy to imagine looking up at such a figure, as a small creature, and feeling utter terror. It’s harder to imagine standing up to or fighting the Skeksis, as Jen and Kira do, but perhaps that’s the point.
The Dark Crystal is as its name suggests: dark. However, there’s a steady thread of hope that weaves its way through the story, led primarily by the protagonist, Jen. He may be an orphan with little to no knowledge of his mission, but he keeps trying, even when it seems that everything has gone up in flames — literally. Because this movie was marketed as a family film, it never fully leans into its darkest elements. The Podlings, who are made into mindless slaves, are freed once the Crystal is healed. Kira, who is stabbed for her efforts to help Jen, is brought back from the dead; Fizzgig also miraculously survives a terrible fall.
That said, there’s nothing hokey about the ending of The Dark Crystal. It feels earned, in a way that happy endings sometimes don’t. Whatever bleakness exists to inform the plot and the character arcs isn’t eliminated, but balanced against triumph. It’s a beautifully executed story in the vein of J.R.R. Tolkien‘s The Lord of the Rings, and it’s a movie I’ve loved for years, even though it’s been so long since I last saw it. The Dark Crystal sticks with you, in both big and small ways.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance hits Netflix on August 30. The Dark Crystal (1982) is now streaming.
I was impressed with the amount of research, experimentation, and artistry that went into “The Dark Crystal.” It was like a calling card what could be done if given the chance. Because of Jim Henson’s creative team, puppetry was “discovered as a physical effect tool, and added to many film’s special effects units. The films today have benefited by the stuff they did on this film.
As I say in my website tribute to the creative people from the film, “They began with the environment, including hints at an ancient past. Characters were created, and then they created the story. This is counter to the widely accepted but unwritten rule of Hollywood, where a script is written, roles cast, environment manufactured as quickly as possible, all surgically calculated to fit into a tight shooting schedule. The strength of The Dark Crystal lies in the intricate visuals, and the execution of the technically difficult puppetry and effects.”
Jim Henson anticipated CGI, when he said that it was getting to the point that you could film just about anything your imagination can create. He was right on target!
When you mention the name, Jim Henson, people still smile. He is still respected, and admired. He remains one of the most creative people to have worked in the film and television industries. It’s also worth remembering that when he passed on unexpectedly, it took all five of his kids to step in and do his job. I’m glad that they’re carrying on his tradition.
Nice article and other Dark Crystal article seems lovely and perfect, but it’s upsetting this strange obsession many people have with mentioning years, and then being inaccurate and verging on the depressing with them. No need, just enjoy things as they are. Gr. Has very uncomfortable OCD tics and aspergers worry feelings from it Grumble.
No need to reply (I won’t be checking back), and you can even delete this comment after reading it. I just wanted to register my distress to counter cos it’s not true and I find it so hard when people do this wrongly exaggerate time in a negative way thing (and I’m not the only one). Innocently browsing the internet for happy cool stuff then get miserably triggered.
Something like ‘years later’ or ‘even as an adult’ = more accurate and sufficient. Positivity, kindness, consideration, good sense, and glass half full ftw. Sorry to whine but it was an evening disrupter instead of an evening relaxer :'(.
Hoping humans start seeing things more accurately and happily.
If someone is 6 or 7 they aren’t nearly 10, they’ve just been 5.
(Like No feel free to delete comment if not helpful.)
Like No *said, I mean. (About feel free to delete our comments if not helpful. Don’t mind at all.)
And sure that we know you wouldn’t set out to upset anyone, just frustrating this thing people do I agree.
[Mine was comment that said if someone is 6 or 7 they’re not nearly 10, they’ve just been 5.(And not long ago just born!)]
P.S. I won’t come back to this page now or comment again don’t worry. And too for communication anxiety reasons won’t be checking for any reply so no need. I only did come back as I seemed to remember putting a typo (can’t check as comment not showing maybe didn’t post) so thought I’d better correct it as my English is not always great and my meaning might get lost.
Best wishes, L.
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