Chainsaw Man – The Reze Arc is exactly the kind of follow-up I was hoping for after Season 1. As a long-time reader of the manga, I loved the anime adaptation, but I understood some of the criticisms it received. The cinematic, almost Hollywood-style direction, muted colour palette, and slower pacing gave the series a more grounded tone than many people expected from something as chaotic as Chainsaw Man.
This film, however, fully embraces the wild energy of the series. From the opening moments, the pace is faster, the action is louder, and the visuals are far more vibrant. The animation is phenomenal throughout, with fluid movement, striking colours, and some of the most exciting action set pieces I’ve seen in an animated film. Paired with a fantastic musical score and strong direction, the film constantly feels energetic and visually impressive.
Where the film really stands out, though, is in its character writing. Reze is an excellent addition to the cast and serves as a perfect counterbalance to Denji. Their relationship introduces a surprisingly bittersweet romantic element that adds emotional depth to the story. What begins as something light and charming gradually becomes more complicated, giving the film some genuinely impactful emotional moments.
I also appreciated some of the smaller supporting character interactions. In particular, the dynamic between Aki and the Angel Devil is fascinating. Their completely opposing views on life and death create clear tension between them, yet the reluctant friendship that begins forming between the two works incredibly well and adds a subtle layer of character development.
If I had any real complaints, they mostly come down to character presence. I would have liked to see Denji interact a bit more with the wider supporting cast, and Power is noticeably absent for a large portion of the film. Considering how much chaotic energy she brought to the main trio, her limited presence is definitely felt.
Even with those minor issues, this film is a fantastic continuation of Chainsaw Man. It delivers explosive action, beautiful animation, strong character moments, and an emotional core that makes the story land even harder. If this is the direction the anime continues to take, the future of the series looks incredibly promising.
