This October, Netflix is set to enchant anime lovers with three highly anticipated titles, each promising a unique blend of narrative richness and visual splendour. Leading the pack is Mari Okada’s directorial masterpiece, ‘Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms’. This film has not only captivated the hearts of anime enthusiasts but is also hailed as one of the most impactful Japanese films of the last five years.
Alongside this celebrated movie, viewers will be introduced to two compelling new series that are exclusive to Netflix: ‘Pluto’ and ‘Good Night World’. Both are adaptations of well-regarded manga, setting high expectations and stirring excitement within the anime community. (Note that regional restrictions may apply.)
Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms
Synopsis: Maquia is an ethereal being from the Iorph clan, made up of a humanoid race capable of living for up to hundreds of years. One day, Maquia’s peaceful world shatters when a competing race invades her clan seeking immortality. Amidst the chaos, Maquia discovers an orphaned infant she decides to raise as her own. Thus begins a poignant journey of motherhood, love and the ephemeral nature of life, as Maquia’s everlasting youth contrasts sharply with her adopted son’s human mortality. Despite the challenges, their relationship explores profound themes of time, familial bonds, and the inevitable cycle of life and death.
Overview: This high fantasy drama released in 2018 marked filmmaker Mari Okada’s directorial debut. The narrative intricately blends the elements of fantasy with emotional depth, illustrating the Iorph clan's isolated existence and their unique perception of time. Visually enchanting and narratively rich, the film offers a unique exploration of love, loss, and the transient nature of life, earning critical acclaim for its emotive storytelling and stunning animation.
Coming September 30.
Pluto
Synopsis: Set in a neo-futuristic world where humans and advanced robots coexist, ‘Pluto’ follows Europol robot detective Gesicht as he unravels a perplexing case of serial murders, where the victims have been mutilated to resemble horned creatures. When a robot emerges as the prime suspect, members of the public begin to question the International Robot Laws. With the world’s seven most advanced robots and advocates of robot rights in the crosshairs, Gesicht navigates a web of mystery and danger where tensions between man and machine run higher than ever.
Overview: Adapted from Naoki Urasawa’s award-winning manga and drawing inspiration from Osamu Tezuka’s ‘Astro Boy’, ‘Pluto’ delves into a suspenseful narrative set in a harmonious yet precarious world of humans and robots. The globally acclaimed source material, previously adapted into a successful stage play, sets high expectations for this anime adaptation.
Coming October 26.
Good Night World
Synopsis: ‘Good Night World’ spins a narrative around four members of a fragmented family seeking solace in a virtual game, ‘Planet’, oblivious to each other’s presence. As the tale unfolds, hidden facets of each member come to light, blurring the lines between virtuality and reality and unravelling their reciprocal impact. The series delves into the dichotomy of escape and confrontation, exploring how the virtual realm serves as both a refuge and a mirror, reflecting the fractured bonds and latent revelations within the familial structure.
Overview: Adapted from Uru Okabe’s original manga, this upcoming anime series is directed by Katsuya Kikuchi, with character designs by Suzuna Okuyama. The story explores family dynamics, identity, and the interplay between the virtual and the real. The narrative intricacy and the thematic depth of the source material set a promising premise for the series, which navigates through the complexities of human relationships and the multifaceted nature of reality, enhanced by compelling visuals and character portrayal.
Coming October 12.
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