1. Introduction
Twilight Out of Focus is a TV anime adaptation based on the BL (Boys’ Love) manga by Janome.
Set in a boys’ high school film club, the story intricately portrays the youthful experiences and romantic relationships of its characters.
The anime aired in July 2024, with Studio DEEN handling the animation production.
In this article, I’ll provide my personal review and thoughts on the anime, discussing its strengths and areas where it could be improved.
2. Why I Watched It
I decided to watch Twilight Out of Focus because of the positive reputation of its original manga.
Serialized in Kodansha’s “Honey Milk,” the manga is highly praised among BL fans for its deep character drama and delicate depiction of emotions.
Additionally, the anime adaptation garnered attention due to its star-studded voice cast, including Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Yuma Uchida, and Makoto Furukawa, which raised my expectations.
3. Highlights (Strengths)
3.1 Storyline
One of the compelling aspects of Twilight Out of Focus is its realistic portrayal of complex human relationships and emotions.
The evolving bond between the main characters, Mao Tsuchiya and his roommate Hisashi Otomo, is particularly fascinating.
Through their work in the film club, Mao begins to realize his feelings for Hisashi, transitioning from friendship to romantic love.
The unique tension and depth in their relationship are heightened by the plot element of creating a film centered around a BL theme.
3.2 Characters
The characters in this anime are exceptionally well-developed. Mao, with his passion for filmmaking and his somewhat clumsy approach to romance, offers a relatable protagonist whose growth resonates with viewers.
Hisashi, on the other hand, is portrayed as a lone wolf who shows a softer, more vulnerable side only to Mao.
The other film club members, such as Giichi Ichikawa, Jin Kikuchi, and Shion Yoshino, also bring their unique personalities to the story, adding depth and variety to the narrative.
3.3 Animation and Music
The quality of the animation, handled by Studio DEEN, is another highlight, with meticulous attention to detail in the characters’ expressions and movements, effectively conveying their emotional nuances.
The opening and ending theme songs also match the overall mood of the series well, enhancing the viewing experience.
4. Areas for Improvement
However, Twilight Out of Focus does have some areas that could be refined. For instance, the pacing of the story can feel somewhat slow at times.
The early episodes, in particular, focus heavily on developing character relationships, which can make the narrative progression feel sluggish.
Additionally, the film club scenes could benefit from more diverse perspectives and episodes to enrich the overall storyline further.
5. Who Should Watch It (and Who Might Not Enjoy It)
This anime is especially recommended for those who appreciate deep emotional narratives and coming-of-age dramas.
It’s not just for BL fans; anyone who enjoys romance with a focus on character psychology will find it engaging.
However, viewers who prefer fast-paced storylines or are looking for action-packed content might find it lacking.
6. Conclusion
Twilight Out of Focus is a captivating exploration of complex relationships and emotional growth, backed by a stellar voice cast and high-quality animation.
Its strength lies in its portrayal of character development and the emotional journey they undergo.
While there is room for improvement in the story’s pacing, it remains a must-watch for fans of anime and BL genres alike．
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