Anime Review: Adachi and Shimamura

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Writing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | World Building: ⭐⭐⭐ | Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fan Service: 🥲

Content Watched: S1

Summary:

Adachi and Shimamura are two girls in their first year of high school. Both delinquents, they meet by chance in the gym loft while skipping class. They become fast friends and soon after Adachi develops feelings for Shimamura. Adachi fights against herself to come to terms with and eventually express those feelings. Shimamura on the other hand is battling her own issues with depression and the responsibilities of being the eldest sibling.

Review:

A classic queer story of disentangling feelings of friendship and romance. Of having your body bursting with emotion, but with no idea of how to properly express those feelings. The resulting relationship is chaotic, but endearing. Adachi’s story is one of exploration for bravery in the shadow insecurity and low self-esteem. Shimamura’s is one of depression, distraction, and finding joy in the monotony. My heart aches with each episode, but it is a good ache. The B-plot of Mino and Nagafuji has a lot of potential, but is under-explored. I feel anxious watching how the relationship is represented visually. The ending leaves you wanting of season 2, so hoping to see that soon!

This would undoubtedly be a perfect anime if it weren’t for the questionable visual direction. While there are aspects of the writing to nitpick, the focus on the underage girls’ bodies is so discomforting at times it takes you out of the narrative.