Arcane
Amid the stark discord of twin cities Piltover and Zaun, two sisters fight on rival sides of a war between magic technologies and clashing convictions.
Episodes
Welcome to the Playground
Orphaned sisters Vi and Powder bring trouble to Zaun's underground streets in the wake of a heist in posh Piltover.
Some Mysteries Are Better Left Unsolved
Idealistic inventor Jayce attempts to harness magic through science—despite his mentor's warnings. Criminal kingpin Silco tests a powerful substance.
The Base Violence Necessary for Change
An epic showdown between old rivals results in a fateful moment for Zaun. Jayce and Viktor risk it all for…
Happy Progress Day!
With Piltover prospering from their tech, Jayce and Viktor weigh their next move. A familiar face re-emerges from Zaun to…
Everybody Wants to Be My Enemy
Rogue enforcer Caitlyn tours the undercity to track down Silco. Jayce puts a target on his back trying to root…
When These Walls Come Tumbling Down
An eager protégé undermines his mentor on the council as a magical tech rapidly evolves. With authorities in pursuit, Jinx…
The Boy Savior
Caitlyn and Vi meet an ally in Zaun’s streets and head into a frenzied battle with a common foe. Viktor…
Oil and Water
Disowned heir Mel and her visiting mother trade combat tactics. Caitlyn and Vi forge an unlikely alliance. Jinx undergoes a…
The Monster You Created
Perilously close to war, the leaders of Piltover and Zaun reach an ultimatum. But a fateful standoff changes both cities…
Heavy Is the Crown
Vi and Caitlyn wrestle with how best to respond in the wake of a terrible tragedy that claims lives —…
Watch It All Burn
With Piltover ready for war, the Undercity weighs its options. Jinx lies low and plots her next move. A pivotal…
Finally Got the Name Right
Caitlyn doubles down on her hunt for Jinx. Ambessa accepts a fateful meeting. Changes in Zaun lead to a shocking…
Paint the Town Blue
As rumors of Jinx's return swirl, Ambessa pursues her target with renewed enthusiasm. Jinx and Sevika go undercover and into…
Blisters and Bedrock
Vi awakens to surprising news. An unsettling reunion isn't what it seems. Caitlyn uncovers the origins of Shimmer.
The Message Hidden Within the Pattern
Healing comes from a familiar face — in an unfamiliar place. A stunning betrayal threatens to change countless lives.
Pretend Like It's the First Time
A moment of darkness, a moment of light — and a vision of What Could Have Been.
Killing Is a Cycle
A brewing storm fuels a series of startling transformations. Elsewhere, the spark of rebellion still burns.
The Dirt Under Your Nails
Magic. Science. Power. Revenge. Destinies clash in an epic final chapter, igniting an all-out war.
Where to watch
ORAMACAST.COM Review
"Arcane" is not merely an animated series; it is a meticulously crafted cinematic experience that dares to elevate its genre. From its opening frames, we are plunged into the visceral, grimy beauty of Zaun, a stark contrast to the gleaming, sterile heights of Piltover. This fundamental duality, the narrative backbone of two warring sisters and their cities, is not just a plot device, but a profound exploration of societal stratification and the corrosive nature of technological advancement without empathy.
The direction here is a masterclass in visual storytelling. Every shot is painted with purpose, the animation a seamless blend of painterly textures and dynamic action that feels both organic and breathtakingly stylized. The camera, rather than simply recording events, often acts as an emotional conduit, lingering on the subtle shifts in a character's expression or sweeping through the intricate clockwork of Piltover's inventions. This isn't just movement; it's a dance between light and shadow, hope and despair.
Performances, even in animation, are crucial, and Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Purnell deliver voices that imbue Vi and Jinx with raw, unforgettable humanity. Purnell's descent into Jinx's fractured psyche is particularly harrowing, a nuanced portrayal of a soul irrevocably broken by trauma and circumstance. The screenplay, however, occasionally falters in its pacing. While the slow burn of character development is largely commendable, some transitional episodes feel slightly overextended, delaying critical narrative turns in a way that risks audience engagement.
Yet, this minor quibble is overshadowed by "Arcane's" sheer artistic ambition. It treats its audience with respect, delving into complex themes of identity, belonging, and the ethical dilemmas of progress without resorting to simplistic answers. It’s a testament to what animation can achieve when treated not as a children’s medium, but as a legitimate canvas for profound dramatic art. "Arcane" isn't just good; it's essential viewing for anyone who believes cinema, in all its forms, can be a mirror to our deepest human struggles.
