Imbued with Jim Henson’s magical puppetry, “The Dark Crystal” is a captivating children’s film that weaves a dark yet enchanting tale of survival and prophecy. Jen and Kira, the last surviving Gelflings, embark on a daring quest to repair a mystical crystal that shattered a thousand years ago, casting their world into darkness under the rule of the malevolent Skeksis. On his deathbed, Jen’s wise master discloses that only a Gelfling can restore the crystal and lift the land from its cursed state. Having narrowly escaped a massacre aimed at eradicating their kind, Jen and Kira now face the daunting challenge of penetrating the Skeksis’ stronghold to heal the crystal and revive the land’s lost glory. This film skillfully balances eerie elements that captivate young viewers with sophisticated puppetry that delights adults, marking it as a milestone in children’s cinema and the first co-directorial venture of Frank Oz, who later directed several notable comedies.