With the nature of the world and its setting, it's a comfortable format for a friendly anime. However, it doing so sacrifices what could have been one of its best aspects: more convincing side characters. The two main characters are developed nicely, even surprisingly Somali for being just a child with her own perspective. Most anime material with kids either botch it up horribly or exaggerate the characterization for humor. To see something compact for a child's character is quite fulfilling. Still, it leaves a lot to be desired for the other aspects. This anime has the grounds for perfect fillers and even extended arcs.
I'm probably just speaking in the sense that I am definitely going to miss it. As much as this sounded negative, it's just a manifestation of a personal connection with the anime and wanting more. Very simple, much needed for a healthy space in my head.
Character 7/10
I already discussed a lot of my gripes about this. Two solid main characters with dynamic developments, but lackluster side characters (some of which fell into
very particular tropes). Golem best papa. Somali best child, no tarnation shall reach her. Please, internet.
Setting 8/10
The episodic feeling of the anime gives this aspect some conflicts. There are a number of detailed environments that are captivating that I would have wanted to linger on. Strong RPG feels that resonated very well with my imaginative mind as a gamer. However, the very nature of the anime's pace left the idea that it's just going to pass like the others. I suppose it can be seen as a beautiful mirror of an actual journey, as in fleeting, and that can give me some relief.
Sound Design 9/10
If my mind wasn't hungry for action, I would have had StM as having the best OP of the season (that goes to ID for me). Aside from the shockingly adorable OP, the rest of the sound design just works. It simply works to the benefit of the whole atmosphere of the anime. Voice actors were very competent and vibrant. Very engaging, and it greatly enhances the experience of watching a parent and a child's adventures together.
Story 7/10
Story and Setting go hand-in-hand for my personal view of StM. With the fleeting concept of the whole material's structure, again there is a lot to desire. However, it is solid for what it is, and definitely fleshed out a strong parent and child dynamic. One could say the story only revolves around Somali and Golem anyway, but I believe for one that Golem's character as a Forest Spirit lacked identity in the anime. There could have also been more dynamics for species relations (and even the simply okay backstory of human intervention). For a world where characters and settings can intertwine so well for more and more stories, StM leaves much to be desired.
Art Style 9/10
Beautiful. I wouldn't have StM any other way and I thank the efforts of Satelight to make it as wholesome as possible. There are some frames less defined than the other, but that would be for the sore eyes of a bored critic. This anime would be more beneficial for an appreciative eye, and the art style is a good reflection of its overall themes. Get your wallpapers if you’re a fan of that hobby. It’s a treasure trove.
Overall/TL;DR 8/10
Beautifully simple anime. Strong and unique dynamic for the two main characters (one of the best of the season), but leaves much to be desired for the rest of the anime's underutilized setting.
I highly recommend it for a calming session, even for those not necessarily a fan of the genre. It's a refreshing idea to just literally sit back and relax to a good innocent anime. If you’re an anime fan who miraculously has a family, this is some top-notch family-friendly content.
