Chainsaw Man Movie: Reze Arc Review – Love, Curse & One Brutal BOOM
Right after Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle stormed theaters, another powerhouse stepped onto the scene, Chainsaw Man Movie: Reze Arc. Produced by MAPPA, the studio behind Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan: The Final Season, this movie adapts one of the most beloved arcs of Chainsaw Man: the Bomb Girl, Reze arc. And what a ride it is.
A Golden Era for Anime Films
What a time to be an anime lover, right? Say what you will about anime going mainstream, but one undeniable upside is that we now get to experience iconic arcs on massive theater screens, with all the cinematic flair they deserve. The Reze Arc is no exception… it’s fast, brutal, tender, and everything you’d expect from MAPPA when they’re at full throttle.
The Story: Love, Betrayal, and the Boom Girl
Without diving into spoilers, the story follows Reze, voiced by Reina Ueda, who is revealed to be the Bomb Devil Hybrid. Her mission is simple: get close to Denji, voiced by Kikunosuke Toya, and use him. But Denji, being the goofball we know, doesn’t stand a chance. He falls for her instantly and declares that his heart now belongs to two women, Makima and Reze.
What begins as manipulation turns into something different when Reze starts to see Denji’s simple, honest nature. The chaos that follows is both brutal and sad, packed with emotional tension and explosive action. There are moments where the movie almost tricks you into forgetting it’s about devils and contracts, and instead feels like a fleeting romance in a doomed world.
MAPPA’s Visual Brilliance
MAPPA has built a reputation for pushing visual boundaries, and this film proves why. Every frame looks carefully crafted. The action sequences are fluid and detailed, with an intensity that keeps you glued to the screen. When Reze says “Boom,” the explosion animation hits with weight and rhythm that feels almost musical.
What stands out most is how cinematic the film feels. The lighting, the color palette, and the camera angles all add to the mood. The school and pool scenes between Denji and Reze are stunning, with a dreamlike quality that makes them unforgettable. For a few minutes, the movie feels less like a battle story and more like a nostalgic art film about two lost people pretending to be normal.
The Soundtrack That Ties It All Together
Composer Kensuke Ushio, who worked on Chainsaw Man Season 1, delivers a score that feels both haunting and alive. The music shifts seamlessly between quiet tension and full-scale chaos. The opening theme Iris Out might just be the best anime song of 2025. It’s emotional and catchy without being over the top. The track In the Pool adds another layer of melancholy, matching the bittersweet tone of Denji and Reze’s connection.
Chainsaw Man vs Demon Slayer: The Unfair Debate
People will naturally compare this movie to Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. Both released close to each other and both showcase the best that modern anime can offer. But putting them side by side feels unnecessary.
Demon Slayer focuses on empathy and emotional storytelling. It is built on personal sacrifice and redemption. Chainsaw Man operates in a different space entirely. It is chaotic, unfiltered, and unapologetically honest about human desire and survival. Where Demon Slayer brings catharsis through beauty, Chainsaw Man does it through chaos.
On a personal level, I felt a deeper emotional pull toward Demon Slayer. That doesn’t make it better, just different. Each film nails what it sets out to do. One closes a long journey, while the other opens new emotional ground for Denji and the world he lives in. The real winners are the fans who get to experience both within months of each other. You can read my review of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle here.
Why This Movie Works
The biggest strength of the Reze Arc is how complete it feels. The pacing never drags, and every act builds naturally toward the ending. Reze’s development feels believable, and Denji’s emotions come across more clearly than they did in parts of the series.
This isn’t just a flashy fight movie. It explores loneliness and connection in a way that feels grounded, even in a world filled with devils. The movie reminds you that Chainsaw Man has always been more than its violence. It’s about people trying to hold onto something real, no matter how broken they are.
The ending will hit hard, especially if you haven’t read the manga. Long-time fans already know what’s coming, but watching it play out on the big screen still hurts. It’s that rare kind of heartbreak that makes you respect the story even more.
Final Thoughts
Chainsaw Man Movie: Reze Arc captures everything that makes this series special. It is violent, stylish, and emotional in ways that sneak up on you. MAPPA once again proves why they are leading the new generation of anime studios.
For all its chaos and brutality, the movie has a strange tenderness. Denji’s longing for normalcy and Reze’s inner conflict make their story tragic yet human. MAPPA didn’t just animate this arc; they made it feel alive.
Rating:
I’m giving Chainsaw Man Movie: Reze Arc a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s beautifully crafted, fast-paced, and emotionally satisfying. “Boom” never sounded so beautiful and deadly!
Stream It or Skip It
Stream it, or better yet, watch it in theaters if you can. The sound design and animation deserve a big screen. You’ll laugh, you’ll flinch, you’ll probably cry and then you’ll whisper, “Damn, Reze.”
What did you think of the Chainsaw Man Movie: Reze Arc? Did MAPPA outdo themselves? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. We love hearing from fellow fans!
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