Introduction

The 2025 anime feature film Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc marks a bold continuation of the beloved manga‐turned‐anime series Chainsaw Man by Tatsuki Fujimoto. Produced by MAPPA, directed by Tatsuya Yoshihara, and written by Hiroshi Seko, this film adapts the “Reze Arc” of the original manga, directly following the first season of the TV series.
With its mix of visceral action, dark fantasy and surprisingly tender emotional beats, the film has generated considerable buzz—particularly among fans of the series.

Plot Overview

In the film, protagonist Denji—now fused with the chainsaw‐devil dog Pochita and thrust into the brutal world of Devil Hunters—finds himself pulled into a new crisis when he meets Reze, a girl working in a café.
What begins as a tentative connection quickly spirals into violence, betrayal and existential conflict, as Denji juggles his quest for ordinary human feelings with the fact that he is a literal weapon. The film follows his struggle not just against external Devils, but against the inner conflict of being both a boy who wants love and a monster who must kill.

Production & Release

• Studio & Team: Produced by MAPPA, with director Tatsuya Yoshihara (who had previously worked on the series) and screenwriter Hiroshi Seko.
• Music & Theme: Music by Kensuke Ushio. The main theme song is “Iris Out” by Kenshi Yonezu, with ending theme “Jane Doe” by Yonezu & Hikaru Utada.
• Release Dates:
  • Japan: September 19 2025.
  • International (select markets): As early as September 24 2025. U.S. release October 24, 2025.
• Formats: Released in multiple premium formats worldwide (IMAX, RealD 3D, 4DX, etc).

Reception & Impact

Critics have broadly praised the film for its ambitious blend of raw action and emotional depth. For example, one review called it “a cinematic explosion … 2025’s must-watch anime.”
On the review aggregator site, it holds strong ratings, with critics noting its ability to satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers.
Box-office wise, it achieved solid results in Japan and abroad, demonstrating that anime films continue to command global attention.

Why It Matters

• Bridge between seasons: Rather than going straight into a second season of the TV series, the creators opted for a film that covers a major arc of the manga. This gives the story a cinematic scale while retaining continuity.
• Elevated anime cinema: The film underscores how anime is not just episodic content for TV but can stand as major theatrical events with high production values and ambitious storytelling.
• Emotional complexity: While the series is known for its gory thrills, the film leans more into character and emotional stakes—Denji’s longing for normalcy, love and identity are front and center.
• Perfect entry point? If you’re new to the franchise, the film serves as a strong showcase—though familiarity with the main characters enhances the experience.

Points for Viewers

• Stick around after credits: There is a post-credits scene that teases future developments.
• Format matters: If you can, watch it in IMAX or 3D—the visuals and action sequences really shine on the big screen.
• Viewer warning: This is a dark fantasy with strong violence, gore, and mature themes. Not for younger audiences.
• For fans vs newcomers: If you’re already a fan of Chainsaw Man, seeing this film is essential for the story progression. If you’re new, you might still enjoy the spectacle, but watching the first season will give you richer context.

Final Thoughts

Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is more than just another anime adaptation—it’s a bold, high-stakes expansion of the franchise that pushes its thematic and visual boundaries. With a mix of visceral action, emotional heart and stylised direction, it stands out as one of the major anime cinema experiences of 2025. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Denji’s chainsaw saga or someone curious about where anime cinema is headed, this film is worth your attention.