To start, we follow kiriko and maru, a strange pair who are seeking "heaven" in a post apocalyptic world, as we cut back occasionally to a "school" where we follow a set of children, usually performing miscellaneous tasks and interactions with each other, but that only works as a simple basis for which heavenly delusions jumps off of. Nearly everything that happens in any section of this show draws back to another section in one way or another, no story is without its connections. But, the main reason for that is through its very non-linear storytelling. Constantly jumping back and forth between places that seemingly have no connection, and rarely directly explaining anything. But, through dialogue and visual interaction, we can connect the dots. Similarly, the story is written and performed in such a way that the non-linear and complicated story can be followed up through constant foreshadowing that is almost immediately explained. Aside from random one off comments that have tie-ins later throughout the story. Even stories that seemingly have no connection to the main plot give the audience a piece of valuable information to work with. Honestly, this style of storytelling needs to be explored much more in anime, if not most media. Its a bit harder to follow, since nothing is directly explained, but it is so much more rewarding to connect those pieces yourself than having someone directly explain it to you. For example (spoilers), Around halfway through the show, there is a girl who is hooked up to a bunch of different machinery, keeping her alive. The doctor who is keeping her alive wants her to be killed by Maru, since he has no knowledge of killing man-eaters himself. However, the girl says she wants to see the sky "one last time" before her death. This ties in earlier to the character mimihime from this "school" that has a heavy reaction to seeing the sky for the first time, saying that "this ceiling is so high!" Amongst many other small details that tie into later and even earlier scenes between those two characters from the school. I find this a much much better way to tell a story than having one character infodump a bunch of shit which just tells you everything you need to know. Completely taking away from the execution of the idea and all of the fun of finding it out through small details (spoiler over). The weirdness of this show and story certainly drive people away, but I love it. Especially with how it both plays into and goes against common anime theming.
One central point in this show that seems to come up again and again is love, and its many forms. One of the main things with the "school" (spoilers) Is how they have the ideology that everything that these kids experience must be taught to them, however, there are scenes of some of the children kissing (specifically two girls), or even having sex. This specific showcase of love is more of a commentary on religious societies opting to teach children about sex and abstinence, and how they shouldn't be sexually curious. Which only leads to more sexual curiosity. The other form and showcase of love can be seen as almost more of a trans allegory. With the main character “kiriko” being a man in a woman's body, due to a brain transplant. This comes from how Maru is in love with Kiriko, and shows that feeling consistently throughout the show. Kiriko is normally adverse to these opinions, but comes to accept them over time. This kind of character progression is something that makes this show so good, as well. With characters coming to terms with themselves and their own feelings over time. Having a better understanding of deeper connections. Of course, since this is only season one, there is plenty more for these characters to develop. Only small chunks of improvement have been made. The only scene of “love” that really rubbed me the wrong way was when this character, dubbed “the king of the hotels” (i kinda forgot her name, I just remember what the called her after) sexually assaulted and almost rapes Maru, but this is written off as a joke, which just makes me feel uncomfortable with how this situation is treated. Especially when maru directly says that he wants nothing to do with it. I mean, even the people in the comments don't take it seriously, saying stuff like “Poor girl just wanted some pleasure” or “I'm sure many can relate to prioritizing boobs.” It's just gross.
The one thing i havent talked about, which is what really makes this show FEEL unique is its production. The animation is absolutely stellar, and consistently so. Such fluid and dynamic character acting and animation, its all VERY good. As well as having one of my favorite animators, Weilin Zhang, direct the OP. The direction changes consistently through the episodes, with different directors coming in and adding their own flavor to the show. The most stand out EP (whether it be for good or bad) being EP 10. With Kai Ikarashi from studio trigger being the director. Taking the show in a very loose and creative direction, sometimes utilizing stills instead of movement, and having very creative camera angle choices. As well as focusing on expressive, overanimated and off model character expressions. One thing that isn't talked about, though, is both the amazing background work and the amazing compositing throughout the show. With having pure dark really look like pure darkness, only showcasing light when needed. The color choices not giving the world a post-apocalyptic feel but more of a bright tone. As well as the occasional 3D model looking so clean its essentially unnoticeable. This just bleeds with “passion project” through every single second of it.
TDLR, The character writing is non-linear and fantastic, with pieces of the story being given in small chunks. And the animation is one of a kind, truly outshining even some of the best with its consistency.
