In a world where malicious thoughts and dark memories can morph into fearsome monsters that wreak havoc on society, the future of the human species is bleak. Such is the premise of this prequel to the hugely popular manga and anime series Jujutsu Kaisen, which follows eccentric sorcerers vowing to protect humanity against these deadly curses. Bloody, action-packed and tragicomic all at once, this dazzling coming-of-age tale masterfully contemplates the knotty process of coming to terms with past traumas through a horror-fantasy lens.
The beautiful Tokyo Jujutsu high school, where young sorcerers are trained in the art of exorcism, is once again the central setting. The timid Yuta has just enrolled as a student, and, haunted by his love for his late childhood friend Rika, he is dogged by her spirit, which has taken the form of a monstrous worm-like creature that attacks anyone who wishes him harm. In learning how to harness this energy/curse, Yuta encounters many familiar faces from the series: among them his dashing and goofy mentor Satoru Gojo and the taciturn Toge Inumaki who only communicates in riceball ingredients, since his words have the power to kill.
Just as Yuta slowly loses his shyness and sharpens his magical abilities, he and his new friends come face to face with the powerful trickster Suguru Geto, an ex-Jujutsu student with an evil plan to extinguish all non-sorcerers from the Earth. The gorgeous animation is at full throttle during this adrenaline-pumping showdown between good and evil, as a web of painstakingly detailed monsters of all kinds spring into gory action. Bolstered by an electrifying score, this cathartic ode to the triumph of love is a treat for ardent fans and newcomers alike.
• Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is released on 18 March in cinemas.
