Another

Genre(s): Mystery, Horror, Supernatural, Thriller, School

Age-Appropriateness: 17+ (Graphic violence, Gore, mild profanity)

Platforms: Crunchyroll

Episodes: 12

TheAwersome Rating: 7.6 / 10 (Effective, but a bit repetitive toward the end)

Premise: In class 3-3 of Yomiyama North Junior High, transfer student Kouichi Sakakibara makes his return after taking a sick leave for the first month of school. Among his new classmates, he is inexplicably drawn toward Mei Misaki—a reserved girl with an eyepatch whom he met in the hospital during his absence. But none of his classmates acknowledge her existence; they warn him not to acquaint himself with things that do not exist. Against their words of caution, Kouichi befriends Mei—soon learning of the sinister truth behind his friends’ apprehension.

Ominous rumors revolve around a former student of the class 3-3. However, no one will share the full details of the grim event with Kouichi. Engrossed in the curse that plagues his class, Kouichi sets out to discover its connection to his new friend. As a series of tragedies arise around them, it is now up to Kouichi, Mei, and their classmates to unravel the eerie mystery—but doing so will come at a hefty price.

TheAwersome’s Thoughts: This was a good solid spoopy ride. The first phase of the show was very effective with its use of oppressive sound design and music; just subtle enough to not be obviously distracting, but gradually keeping you on edge. This executed well my favorite part of any good horror: the panic of the unknown. The paranoia both you and the characters have of everything and everyone is generally more effective at maintaining tension than jump scares, scary monsters, etc.

TLDR: An effective, but sometimes repetitive gory horror piece for when you want something to keep you up for a night.

Were it not for the obvious framed lore drop at the beginning, this would almost be Alfred Hitchcock levels of a slow burn beginning. But, knowing a specific premise of mystery makes it actually quite enjoyable. The final third or so does get a bit repetitive as things accelerate, almost to the point of detaching and losing interest, but it pulls it back together at the end, and with a satisfying solution to the mystery. I will reiterate: this is a gory time, so be prepared going in.

You’ll Likely Enjoy This if You Enjoyed:

• The paranoia of the unknown and eerie ambience of Higurashi
• More classical gory horror (less psychological)
• Spooky/gloomy outcast characters