Arcane: A Spectacular Animated Journey You Shouldn’t Miss

Arcane debuted on Netflix in November 2021, instantly garnering universal acclaim with its first season. However, fans had to wait until November 2024 for the release of its highly anticipated second—and reportedly final—season.

Based on League of Legends, the popular multiplayer game you might not have played (I know I didn’t), Arcane manages to stand on its own. You don’t need to know the game’s lore to dive into the series, as it brilliantly weaves its story using character backstories and world-building cues.

After years without Netflix, my sister and I decided to channel our inner Vi and Powder for some sibling bonding time, binge-watching both seasons of Arcane. We split it into acts—three episodes per session, as each season consists of nine episodes. Now, let’s get into a small, spoiler-free review of this masterpiece.

Season 1: Foundations of a Masterpiece

The first three episodes of Season 1 establish the origins of Vi and Powder, exploring how their paths diverge to make them the characters we come to know. These initial episodes may feel slower-paced, but they’re crucial for building the emotional groundwork. If you push through to Episode 4, the story truly kicks into high gear. (I’ll admit, the slower start didn’t hook everyone—one of my viewing buddies wasn’t sold initially.)

Once the narrative takes off, Arcane becomes a beautifully crafted story about prejudice—not in terms of race, but class. The divide between the wealthy and the impoverished districts is central to the plot, though it’s far from a simple “rich vs. poor” tale. At its heart, it’s also the story of two sisters, each believing the other to be dead and struggling with lives they never envisioned.

Vi ends up in prison, while Powder transforms into Jinx—a mentally fractured, unpredictable version of herself, haunted by voices from her past. When both begin to suspect the other might still be alive, it sets the stage for an emotional journey: Vi determined to save her sister, and Jinx yearning to reconnect while wrestling with her new identity.

The Magic of Storytelling and Visuals

Parallel to Vi and Jinx’s story is another compelling arc: Jayce and Viktor’s groundbreaking discovery that could bring magic into their world and change it forever.

The voice acting is phenomenal, with Hailee Steinfeld (Vi) and Ella Purnell (Jinx) stealing the show. Their performances are supported by a stellar cast, including Kevin Alejandro, Katie Leung, and Harry Lloyd, who bring depth to their characters.

Equally impressive is the animation. The art style is a visual treat, comparable to films like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Spider-Verse, and the recent TMNT movie. Shows and movies with this level of artistry tend to be exceptional, and Arcane is no exception.

The action scenes, enhanced by freeze-frames and slow-motion shots, are stunning. Combined with a carefully curated soundtrack, they deliver an emotional and sensory punch that few animated series can match.

Season 2: Consequences and Closure

Season 1 ended with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger: Jinx firing a missile at the high council, cutting to black just before impact. I can’t imagine waiting years for Season 2 after that!

Season 2 picks up right where the story left off, exploring the aftermath of Jinx’s actions. Without spoiling too much, the first half focuses on the chaos she creates, which reverberates through her own life in unexpected ways.

The second half is where the series truly shines. Episodes 5 and 6 deliver spectacular, high-stakes moments that leave a lasting impact. The storytelling is so intricate that it makes you wonder: If point A hadn’t happened, would point B exist? Every domino feels essential, leading to a satisfying conclusion.

While this might be the end of Vi and Jinx’s journey, there’s exciting news—spin-offs are in the works, focusing on other League of Legends characters.

A Few Flaws

As much as I loved Arcane, I did have one gripe with Season 2. Certain character conflicts resolved more quickly than they should have, which felt a bit rushed. It’s a minor issue but one that stood out to both my sister and me.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t watched Arcane yet, give it a chance—at least until Episode 4 of Season 1. While the first three episodes lay important groundwork, the series really hits its stride after that. From the breathtaking animation to the stellar voice acting, powerful storytelling, and unforgettable action, Arcane is a true masterpiece.

Rating: 9/10