The Dark Crystal

Heads up

• The villains (Skeksis) are grotesque, cruel, and their design may be very frightening for viewers.
• A key plot point involves characters having their life force ('essence') painfully drained in a machine.
• The giant, insect-like Garthim are menacing and attack/capture innocent characters.
• The overall tone is dark and serious, and several sympathetic characters are hurt or die.

What it models well

• The importance of courage, even when you feel small or afraid.
• Restoring balance is more important than simply destroying evil.
• The power of hope and perseverance against overwhelming odds.
• Strength can be found in unity and friendship.

Talk about it after

• The Skeksis and Mystics were once the same. What does that say about good and evil inside a person?
• Jen succeeded despite being scared. How does courage work even when you're afraid?
• Why were the Skeksis so obsessed with staying in power and cheating death?
• This movie's world is built with puppets. How does that make it feel different from a cartoon or a live-action movie?