This was the third anime I have seen out of the many. I found out about this show through friends, and I must say it is very good. I must add that the feeling the show gives off is remarkable. Throughout the show, a heavy feeling of eeriness sticks with you till the very end.
(This review will contain spoilers [with warning])
Basic Review:
The Promised Neverland (or "Yakusoku no Nebārando/Neverland" in Japanese) is a show that focuses around children at an orphanage. There are 3 protagonists, usually seen together or in pairs throughout the show. Their names are Emma, Norman, and Ray. Every 1-3 months, one or multiple of the kids are adopted, and sent off to their new homes. When one of the younger kids are adopted, Emma discovers one of their belongings to be left behind. shortly after the child's departure from the orphanage. Emma and Norman go to return the forgotten item, and discover the secrets behind the orphanage
This beginning concept sets the base into a remarkable story. Filled with grief, horror, mystery, and more, this story has it all. Without giving away too much, this is definitely a must watch for all watchers. Whether a beginning, or intermediate anime watcher, you definitely should watch this show!
THE FOLLOWING WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS, BE WARNED
Opening:
#Touch Off
This opening is very good. If you were to listen to the song, you might think that the opening's visuals would be action packed. This opening mixes a little bit of that with eeriness. The characters are presented in a colored light. and there are shots of the children in a blurry/dirty camera lens. The shots also contain Emma sitting in the fetal position, looking saddened. This sets a mysterious tone for the new watchers, and will hook them to wanting to watch the show longer.
Intermediate Review:
Built up of 12 episode (4 hours) this show is quite the watch. I've re-watched this show twice with my friends. Although the mouths kind of weirded me and them out, I got used to them very quickly. After, I read the manga to the series. Made up of 181 chapters (I suggest not reading it because the anime might be way better emotionally wise). But throughout the show, I was amazed. I couldn't put the show down, and I finished it at 4am. The reveal of Ray being Isabella's son shook my core and definitely was my favorite twist.
Favorite Character?:
#Ray
He's my favorite because he was silent about finding out that the kids were being grown up to become food. He was also a mysterious character, and had a plan to save everyone since he was a kid. I can't lie, if I were in a situation where after years of setting a plan to save everyone only for it to fail, I would wanna suicide as well (tbh the stress level would have been very high for me)
Conclusion:
This show was amazing. It packed many emotions, memorable moments and characters, and an amazing cliff hanging ending. Read the manga if you would like, but I would recommend to watch only the anime. Hopefully they do good in season 2 like they did in season 1. Enjoy!