The story is set in a future where technology has advanced to such an extent that it enables sensory and visual experiences that were once unimaginable, thanks to devices capable of immersing the user in a fully virtual world. In short, it is the much-coveted metaverse that the big tech companies are desperately trying to achieve.
The protagonist is Iroha Sakayori, a seventeen-year-old who spends her days juggling life as a model student with gruelling shifts at her part-time job to support herself. Her goal is to earn her mother’s respect (whose absence conveniently serves the film’s plot). Despite her hectic life, Iroha always manages to carve out a little time to escape into the virtual world and support her favourite VTuber idol, Runomi Yachio (basically an alternative version of our world’s Miku).
One ordinary evening, after yet another gruelling shift, Iroha spots an unusual comet crashing near her modest home. At the site of the impact, she finds a lamppost glowing with an unnatural light; as she approaches, a mysterious hatch opens to reveal a secret compartment containing a sweet little baby girl.
From this point on, the true heart of the film begins, as the pace of the narrative quickens just like the mysterious newborn’s abnormal growth. In fact, within a matter of days, the newborn will become a girl the same age as Iroha. Once they’ve got over the initial shock, the two girls form an increasingly deep bond of friendship, and during one of their conversations, the truth about the mysterious girl’s appearance comes to light. It turns out she is Kaguya, the famous princess from the moon in the ancient Japanese legend.
It is Kaguya herself who will put an end to the film’s central theme, as her aim will be to write a happy ending together with Iroha, in contrast to the tragic version that characterises her traditional story.
Turning to the technical side, the film was produced by two studios (Studio Colorido and Studio Chromato), which divided the ‘real’ and ‘virtual’ worlds between them respectively, creating a striking and fascinating visual contrast between the two dimensions. A love of animation shines through in every frame, with increasingly daring shots and references to cult scenes from both animation and cinema. In summary, the technical aspects may not be to everyone’s taste (especially in the virtual world), but they are certainly top-notch.
I feel compelled to address a major sticking point: Kaguya. Although she is one of the two protagonists, on more than one occasion she falls into the classic and often criticised ‘moe’ trope, typical of a certain type of character. Her energy and courage are undeniable, but some of her clichés and attitudes might come across as annoying or even irritating to some viewers.
The decision not to explore the secondary characters in greater depth also leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste, although this is understandable given that the entire narrative revolves around the bond between the two protagonists.
For those interested in the soundtrack, both the background music and the songs performed by the characters are well-crafted and enjoyable, even for those who aren’t particularly fond of pop music.
To sum up, this is a film that relies almost entirely on the emotions the viewer feels whilst watching the adventures of these two ordinary girls, all set against a visually striking backdrop. Despite a few naivities that make the whole thing feel a bit shaky, the film manages to move you. So if you’re looking for a perfect film, move on to the next one, but if you’re looking for a film that leaves a lasting impression, then give it a chance!