Okay this is my first ever review so bare with me if it gets a bit chaotic. My reasoning for writing this isnt to tell anybody how "good" this or any other show I decide to review are, as quite honestly, whilst I do think you can quantify to some degree how "objectively" great something is, I truly believe "feeling" to be the singular most important aspect of anything. I firmly believe in life no matter what the public opinion may be if it makes your life more enjoyable then you should embrace it. So that is my desire with this, I want an outlet to express my adoration and if by some chance I am able to convince people to watch this show then that would be fantastic. I also hope that this review is something slightly different from what all the other insanely talented writers have already said about this sublime piece of television.
Let me start this by saying I honestly think this show is my favourite show ever. I dont mean favourite anime, favourite Cute Girls Doing Cute Things, favourite slice of life or favourite comedy (even though it kills it in all these categories) I sincerely think Sora yori transcends anime for me. Ive seen many many a great show but NOTHING has ever made me feel the things this has. The simple pure unfiltered joy I get watching these girls just living their lives, vibing and growing together always has me cheesing episode to episode without even one singular episode ever feeling lackluster.
I find the pacing to be absolutely perfect, episodes always feel full with content and developments without ever feeling like they are dragging moments out. I believe that, for me, is because I could've happily watched these girls travel the entirety of the planet together just doing their goofy shenanigans. That is the soul of this adventure and what I love the most. In these kinds of shows when you use the method of introducing characters slowly, adding on to an already established pairing feels risky. You might feel like the new addition will ruin the original dynamic, I felt that with this at first but I find sora yori has a sublime approach of teasing the 3rd and 4th members of the gang with tiny glimpses of what they might add and how they are narratively important to progress. Each girl who tags along ADDS to the dynamic in a natural and fun way and by the end the 4 of them seem utterly inseparable and the mere thought of that separation leaves me with dread and emptiness. The bond they forge episode by episode feels realistic and with every girl having a distinct personality their relationships with each separate member are different yet all blend together seamlessly.
The tightly written plot, whilst being mainly a platform to showcase the blossoming friendships, is still unbelievably solid and easy to follow and all the while being genuinely inspiring. The emotional payoffs always feel deserved and well worked, whilst being set up episodes prior. The side and minor characters are all excellent and have some truly hilarious and sweet moments.
A place further than the universe hits every single note flawlessly, I find it utterly hilarious, endearing, inspiring and just unfathomly enjoyable to watch. The moments hit so unbelievably hard, I teared up at a scene where one of the characters gets a haircut and at the same character telling people to piss off. I mean even still to this day on every whole show rewatch or the 100th time I've watched the scene on Youtube the same scenes I know are coming STILL melt my heart. I don't often binge shows in their entirety, I am only ever motivated to do so when a show catches my attention and then just knocks every episode out the park where the pure joy the episodes brings keeps me craving MORE and holy s**t does this show make you feel that way. Everyone is somewhat aware of "the pit" sensation when you finish a show so good you think you will never find anything anywhere near as fulfilling. I refused to watch anything for weeks after the final episode. "the pit" was unbelievably deep. I sincerely think this show is a masterpiece of its genre and I use it as my measuring stick for any and everything of a similar thematic narrative.
I would write about the "cons" of the show, but... Well... I honestly don't see the point. Anyone can like or dislike any singular aspect of anything no matter how universally excellent people deem it to be. There is no right or wrong in this, it isn't a science. We are all watching the same piece of media, some will enjoy aspects others hate. If pushed I could most likely point out aspects that aren't perfect to me but I will let you all decide those yourselves.
Please watch this show and give it a chance IF (and maybe even if it isn't your usual) you enjoy this kind of thing, being aware of what kind of things you like is understated when it comes to any medium of storytelling, there's a reason there are some genres of shows missing from my list and that is simply because they are not for me whether that be because they go over my head or I simply don't find them enjoyable.
If you are into fast paced action, heavily metaphorical or tense thrill rides then this show likely wont scratch that specific itch, that's not to say you wont still enjoy it, everyone is different Afterall.
BUT, if you like your shows to be heart warming, deeply moving, character driven, cute slice of life or maybe even a wholesome comedy then i truly believe you should give A place further than the universe a watch.
If this review convinces even one person to watch Sora yori I will consider it a success and could not be prouder something I wrote on a whim convinced anyone to watch a show I wholeheartedly adore.
Thank you for reading and if you decide to watch this, I truly hope you love it even half as much as I do.
P.S if anyone knows how to make the pictures i've added bigger that'd be great LMAO