# Arcane (2021)

> Two sisters on opposite sides of a magic-fueled war between the twin cities of Piltover and Zaun are pulled apart as their city's conflict escalates.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/79933

## Facts

- Seasons: 2
- Episodes: 18
- Episode runtime: 41 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: animation, action, science fiction, fantasy
- Created by: Christian Linke, Alex Yee
- Network: Netflix
- Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, Kevin Alejandro, Jason Spisak, Amirah Vann, Mia Sinclair Jenness, Yuri Lowenthal, Reed Shannon
- TMDB rating: 9.0/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11126994/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: moderate
- Tone: melancholic, intense, emotional, atmospheric, gritty

## What critics say

Viewers broadly acclaim Arcane for its striking animation, well-drawn characters and emotionally weighty story of two sisters caught in a war between two cities.

## Synopsis

Arcane (2021-2024) is an American adult animated fantasy series created by Christian Linke and Alex Yee for Netflix, adapted from the Riot Games universe of League of Legends. Two sisters, Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell), are torn apart by the divide between the wealthy, technologically advanced city of Piltover and the polluted, industrial undercity of Zaun. Their bond is tested as each is pulled into a widening war over magic-powered technology and clashing convictions. Inventor Jayce (Kevin Alejandro) and enforcer Sevika (Amirah Vann) move through the story as principal figures whose choices push the conflict forward. The series unfolds across two seasons of nine episodes each, carried by character drama, political tension and street-level action rather than a case of the week. Its steampunk look, moody palettes and textured animation give a sense of a city built on injustice and ambition. Set in a fictional steampunk world with a pre-industrial feel, it offers an emotional, serialized experience. Fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Castlevania and BoJack Horseman will find resonance in its blend of grounded emotion and dark fantasy.

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