Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc is a ballad of unbearable loneliness and endless violence

When I first watched the original series, I thought it would just be a repackaged version of Jujutsu Kaisen. But, I am grateful that I gave the series a chance to tell a story that, for me, blew both Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen out of the park.

After a long awaited 2.5 years, the newest instalment 'Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc' arrives in the form of a film that picks up where season one left off. Full of non-stop, exhilarating action scenes and the same charm that made the first season grip everyone by the heart, this movie brilliantly maintains that energy while expanding on the fascinating world of Chainsaw Man.

Rivalling Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle as one of the most hyped animated films of the year, the story is still setting up our characters for what lies ahead in later volumes of the manga, so the magnitude of the story is not as grand as Demon Slayer. 

While many viewers may dismiss Chainsaw Man for its perceived similarities to Jujutsu Kaisen, anyone who has actually seen the show knows it's nothing like it. For me, the charm of Chainsaw Man lies not particularly in the fights or characters, but in its stunningly raw and excellent writing.

Beneath the gore, dark humour and chaos, director Tatsuya Yoshihara tells a story about loneliness, vulnerability and the desperate need for connection. The Reze Arc only amplifies the emotional depth with heartbreak, betrayal and a fleeting love in a world where death and loss are the only things our characters can cling to

Chainsaw Man centres on Denji, a teenager struggling with extreme poverty and debt. When he is nearly killed, he merges with his devil-like dog to become Chainsaw Man. He is then recruited by the Public Safety Division's Hunters' leader, Makima, whose main goal is to hunt down the fiercest devil ever known, the Gun Devil, responsible for over a million catastrophic deaths. At the end of the season, we hear a mysterious woman ask Denji if he wants to be 'a city mouse or a country mouse.'

This film reveals the woman to be Reze, a bubbly young woman who forms a romantic connection with Denji. As Denji begins to fall for her, we learn that Reze is not who she claims to be. Suddenly, the story takes an explosive turn, igniting a series of thrilling battles that consume everything and everyone in their path.

Surprisingly, the movie focuses less on our main characters and more on world-building. With the main antagonist being an ally of the Gun Devil, the audience finally glimpses the desperately low odds our protagonists face. The reality check is terrifying; if just the ally is so powerful, what will our characters do when they confront the real thing?

Although the metaphor sounds silly, the recurring motif of the 'country mouse or city mouse' asks a strong emotional and philosophical question of our characters. While a country mouse lives a plain, simple life, a city mouse chases the rush of the city, where both rewards and risks are high. 

The characters often discuss which they would rather be, despite knowing that no matter how free they might feel, they will always be enslaved by something else. The story never loses sight of this grim reality. These characters act not out of morality, but because they are slaves to themselves and their miserable lives until they are brutally killed.

Even with this undertone, the storytelling never spoon-feeds the audience. It does not rely on expositions to keep viewers engaged; its strength lies in both the writing and the animation, pulling you deep into its gruelling world. 

Every character feels like a real person with unique motivations and fears, reminding you constantly that they are not heroes; they are just like real people in an evil world. When innocent people die in their streets, it is not mere collateral damage; it is a massacre.

Moreover, the protagonists and villains are not treated as archetypes of good or evil. Neither Denji nor his enemies are fighting to prove moral superiority. They are products of a society that has stripped them of their humanity, which makes every scene feel deliberate and humane.

The pacing is near perfect throughout the whole film. It lingers on tender, bonding moments without rushing, yet immediately accelerates when the action begins. The film tries to propel the story as dynamically as possible with every breath, but never overwhelms you with it.

But the thing that sets the film apart from other anime is that it is always unapologetically strict with the type of adaptation it wants to be. It is very funny, scary and visually breathtaking, but most importantly, it is sincere to its weirdness. It never tones it down and is too much to accommodate the general audience. It is weird, and it is beautiful.

As expected from MAPPA Studios, the animation and colour work are gorgeous. Unlike Demon Slayer, it opts for a more grounded style. Every action sequence feels smooth and fluid, avoiding the clunky 3D-like effects that often plague newer Japanese productions due to budget constraints.

Beneath the gore, dark humour and chaos, director Tatsuya Yoshihara tells a story about loneliness, vulnerability and the desperate need for connection. The Reze Arc further amplifies the emotional depth with heartbreak, betrayal and a fleeting love in a world where death and loss are the only things our characters can cling to.

If you are looking for a film that is emotionally charged yet fun to watch, catch it in theatres today for the best experience.