Long-Awaited Mari Okada Film Finally Gets Release Date and New Trailer
Mari Okada's highly anticipated film, Alice and Therese's Illusion Factory, is finally getting a release date after almost two years since its announcement trailer With a new visual, trailer, and slightly more detailed synopsis, fans are eager to see Okada's second directorial effort after the success of Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms Get ready to be transported to another world with this exciting new film from MAPPA
Alice and Therese's Illusion Factory has finally unveiled a new visual, trailer, and a more detailed synopsis after almost two years since its announcement. Mari Okada, who previously directed Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms in 2018, will be directing this highly anticipated film. Fans are definitely in for a treat after the positive reception of her previous work.
Earlier this year, we speculated which of MAPPA's film projects, between Alice and Therese's Illusion Factory and Yuri on Ice: Ice Adolescence, would be released first. Now, we have our answer. Although fans of the latter may be disappointed, it's comforting to know that on September 15th, at least one of these projects will be more than just a catchy teaser.
But what exactly is this upcoming film all about?
When the film Alice to Therese no Maboroshi Koujo was first announced, it left fans curious about its plot, despite having a lengthy teaser. However, with its stunning visuals and haunting scream, it was clear that the movie would be an emotional experience. This is a common theme in Okada's well-known works, such as Anohana and Anthem of the Heart. Despite the reserved nature of Maboroshi's premise, recent updates have revealed more about the characters and the mysterious threat facing the town's residents.
Masamune, a middle school student in his third year, resides in a town where all the exits have been shut down after a sudden explosion at a steel mill, leaving time at a standstill. The inhabitants are prohibited from making any alterations and spend their monotonous days yearning for a return to normalcy. One day, Masamune's enigmatic classmate Mutsumi leads him to the fifth furnace of the steel mill, where they encounter a girl who cannot speak and resembles a feral wolf. The meeting between the two girls and Masamune disrupts the equilibrium of the world, unleashing an unstoppable "impulse of love" from boys and girls weary of their daily routines, leading to the destruction of the world.
The teaser initially suggested that teenage hormones and angst were at play, but the synopsis reveals that these emotions are just one of the many threats facing the town. Despite this new information, there are still many unanswered questions such as the nature of the town's confinement and the exact identity of the paranormal entities causing chaos.
During the MAPPA Stage 2023 event, a new teaser was revealed for the upcoming film. Although shorter than the previous one, this teaser includes some interesting additions that offer hints about the themes that will be explored. One of the most striking changes is the appearance of the supernatural entities that attack the characters. In the past, these entities were bright and colorful, combining warm fiery tones with cool purples. However, the latest teaser shows them with a cloudier, dark green look that complements the overall art direction much better.
Another noticeable change is the presence of a bright blue glow that appears on those targeted by the mysterious entities. The teaser features a character with streaks of light covering their body, resembling cracks in glass with light pouring through. In another scene, a notebook is shown with a sketch of someone covered in vines riddled with thorns.
From what we can gather from the synopsis and visuals, Maboroshi appears to be a melodrama centered around the idea that "love's impulse will destroy the world." This is a daring concept that fits perfectly with Mari Okada's reputation. The somewhat sexualized imagery hints at a story revolving around a younger, more desperate, and impulsive kind of love.
Mari Okada is joined by assistant director Tadashi Hiramatsu, and Yuriko Ishii is responsible for character designs and animation direction. Masaru Yokoyama will perform the music, while Kazuki Higashiji will handle art direction. The voice cast includes Junya Enoki as Masamune Kikuiri, Reina Ueda as Mutsumi Sagami, and Misaki Kuno as Itsumi.
While Alice and Therese's Illusion Factory is keeping some secrets under wraps, there is no doubt that it will become a highly-discussed film once it is released in September. Okada's reputation is impressive, but she is still new to directing. Let's hope that her success with Maquia doesn't set an unattainable standard for her future endeavors.
Source: My Anime List
