Why Dark Crystal is the franchise we need

This will be the first official movie review and where better to start with the recently released Dark Crystal: age of resistance. Now a fantasy series (a children’s one at that) is probably the last thing people would expect to be the first work of fiction reviewed on WSN media. However, Dark Crystal is a particular case. Though on the surface is a fantasy series for children. It is, in actuality, a compelling epic with themes of class conflict and warfare, while simultaneously having a positive message of solidarity and cooperation. All of this is in stark contrast to the morbid nihilism prevalent in other popular series.

Though not wholly dominant, nihilism and pessimism have become more common themes within popular culture. With shows like Rick and Morty, and Bojack Horseman being critically acclaimed and having massive fan bases. This trend only looks like it is going to get stronger with the massive praise given to the recently released Amazons the Boys and DCs Joker. Though being genuinely good shows and movies, along with having subversive themes while tackling complicated matters. The overall messages they espouse are far from positive ones and are rather pessimistic. Now on average, children’s shows have optimistic messages, but what makes Dark Crystal unique is its subject matter. Being about the beginning of an oppressed populous (the inhabitants of Thra) against their exploiters (the Skeksis) after the masses become conscious of their predicament and learn that their exploiters where thriving of their suffering. It shows on full display the length the powerful are willing to go to keep their power. The Gelfling, despite fighting against beings who have lied and exploited them for ages, are primarily motivated by a desire for the betterment of their society rather than rage toward their oppressors. Now I’d love nothing more than to do political analysis, but that has already been done by someone else.

Link here: https://youtu.be/2bRPYDVgCws

What I intend to discuss is how, despite having a morbid setting Dark Crystal: age of resistance and to a lesser extent, the original film, overall have optimistic messages. As stated earlier, despite being manipulated and taken advantage of by the villains, the protagonist are primarily motivated by hope for the betterment of their world rather than a desire for vengeance against their oppressors. They even go as far as to show mercy to their oppressors. This is very needed in modern media, for though more, and more subversive content is released and is growing in popularity, the messages in this content aren’t positive. Let’s use the recent Joker movie, for example. Though it does bring up important questions on how society mistreats the mentally ill and the difficulties of being in the lower class. However, the way the characters deals with his problems was erratic and ended up making the situation worse. For another example, let’s turn to Rick and Morty. Now Rick and Morty don’t deal with single social issues consistently. What is consistent is the nihilistic way the characters act about the world around them, and how they don’t try to fix it. On the occasions they do, do things for the betterment of society; it’s to fuel their pride and assert their superiority over others. Though both of these are mere artworks, what is shown in the media can still influence the perspectives of the people who view it. This can be demonstrated by how most people perceive the Rick and Morty fandom as toxic and arrogant. In the case of the Joker, the US army has issued warnings of potential violence in theatres showing the film. So it’s clear that the messages portrayed in art do have some ramifications in reality.

The reason I believe Dark Crystal is necessary for this day and age is that it manages to raise thoughtful questions about social issues and proposes positive alternatives. It raises questions on authority and to what extent citizens should abide by it and when they should turn against it. It also raises questions on how to act against. Now admittedly, it has a rather simplistic depiction of theses concepts, but something that tackles this subject matter while promotes positive messages is better than nothing. If more content like this were to emerge, then there could be further dives into the intricacies of the subject matter.

Now media itself isn’t enough to cause social change, but it would open the populous up to new ideas regarding the society they live in. It may not cause any social change

but it would at least inspire some to agitated for social change healthily and productively.

In addition to teaching people about when it is necessary for there to be change within society. Dark crystal also teaches us that no matter how bad things appear, one can always bounce back and succeed. This is shown during all the occasions when it appeared that the Skeksis had the upper hand. The Gelfling still manage to find a way to turn the tables rather than sulk in defeat. They always find a way to overcome whatever challenges they face rather than surrender.

In summation, modern society needs franchises like Dark Crystal is because it has a very positive message and tackles the serious subject matter.