Netflix’s Moonrise: A Bold Sci-Fi Anime Adventure That Loses Its Momentum
Netflix’s latest offering, the sci-fi anime Moonrise, promises to captivate both veteran and novice anime enthusiasts. With an extraordinary collaboration of top-tier talent, including director Masashi Koizuka of Wit Studio (Attack on Titan), character designs by Hiromu Arakawa from Fullmetal Alchemist, and a script by Tow Ubukata (Fafner in the Azure), the series was highly anticipated. It aims to channel the essence of iconic space operas like Star Wars and Space Battleship Yamato. Yet, despite this impressive pedigree and a visually stunning presentation, Moonrise grapples with narrative cohesion, leading to a disjointed viewing experience typical of Netflix’s binge-watch format.
Setting and Premise of Moonrise
Set in a near-future utopia where humanity exists harmoniously, free from racial discrimination, war, pollution, and prejudice—courtesy of the AI network Sapientia—Moonrise introduces intriguing societal dynamics. Sapientia manages global affairs, and one of its initiatives involves relocating Earth’s historical issues to the moon, where criminals and pollutants find their new home.
The Conflict Unfolds: Three Factions at War
This segregation sparks a civil war among three distinct groups: a rebellious army on the lunar surface, loyal “Sapientian” supporters, and Earth’s joint military force. At the center of this turbulent space conflict is Jack Shadow, a character motivated by a personal tragedy following the loss of his family in an attack. His mission to take down Bob Skylum—the notorious lunar rebel leader dubbed “the king of the moon”—takes an unexpected twist when he learns that a childhood friend now fights for the opposing side.
Visual and Narrative Splendor in Moonrise
From the very beginning, Moonrise showcases the grandeur characteristic of high-budget Hollywood productions. The intricate design of enormous space freighters and fluid fight choreography impresses viewers, as characters elegantly navigate their environments, reminiscent of the acrobatics seen in Attack on Titan and the gravity-defying feats of Destiny 2’s Guardians.
Engaging Yet Flawed Themes
The anime tackles timely political themes, mirroring the real-world sociopolitical climate of 2025, where disillusioned rebels challenge Sapientians for their economic advantages—illustrated by the scarcity of basic commodities like eggs. Moonrise introduces a unique system of space magic called “engrave,” allowing its protagonists to transform special materials into energy-based weapons, alluding to alchemical principles from Fullmetal Alchemist. However, the anime’s loose interpretation of engrave creates a somewhat ambiguous framework that, while entertaining, detracts from its overall narrative coherence.
Diverse Character Designs: A Double-Edged Sword
Hiromu Arakawa’s character designs offer a refreshing dimension to Moonrise, showcasing a variety of body types and ethnic backgrounds. Unfortunately, apart from the primary characters, the supporting cast remains underdeveloped, serving more as archetypes than fully realized individuals. This missed opportunity leaves viewers wanting more in terms of character depth and meaningful interactions.
Unraveling the Narrative: A Mixed Bag
As the series progresses, its initial allure begins to wane. Moonrise struggles with pacing and storytelling, causing once-engaging themes to dissolve into ambiguity. The erratic handling of time leads to confusion, as viewers are often left unaware of significant time jumps between scenes that should logically follow one another. This disconnect hampers the viewer’s ability to grasp character motivations, particularly when alliances shift unexpectedly.
Lengthy Doesn’t Always Mean Depth
Despite its 18-episode length, Moonrise often feels rushed. Its finale lacks the satisfying resolution expected from a well-developed story, instead resembling the hasty conclusion of a sprawling series that might otherwise benefit from a more measured approach. The extended runtime does not cure the narrative deficiencies that lead to abrupt character developments and omitted explanations.
Questions and Confusion: The Frustration of Moonrise
A notable frustration with Moonrise is its potential to deliver intrigue that dissipates amidst clumsy exposition that feels uninspired. Viewers are left grappling to decode the motivations of various characters and factions while the plot obscures critical connections. Ironically, many revelations are casually tossed about, offering little chance for thoughtful engagement.
A Disappointing Conclusion
Ultimately, Moonrise struggles to tie its numerous storylines into a cohesive conclusion. The finale largely sidesteps the political complexities it initially presented, resulting in a lackluster ending that fails to fulfill the promises laid out in the series’ first half. Thus, despite the exciting action sequences that hint at potential greatness, the undermined political commentary and shallow character arcs render the overall experience disappointing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moonrise
What is the premise of Moonrise?
Moonrise is set in a future utopia governed by an AI named Sapientia. When Earth’s problems are transferred to the moon, a civil war erupts among factions, leading to personal and philosophical conflicts.
Who are the creators behind Moonrise?
Directed by Masashi Koizuka of Wit Studio, with character designs by Hiromu Arakawa and script by Tow Ubukata, Moonrise brings together a celebrated team in the anime industry.
How many episodes does Moonrise have?
Moonrise contains 18 episodes, which is longer than the typical anime season.
Where can I watch Moonrise online?
All 18 episodes of Moonrise are available for streaming on Netflix.
Experience the thrilling ride of Moonrise for yourself—stream it now!