Brynhildr in the Darkness

Brynhildr in the Darkness, animated by studio Arms and released in 2014, is a dark science fiction drama centered on the existential crisis of a group of enhanced human subjects. The plot follows Ryouta Murakami, a determined high school student tormented by the memory of his childhood friend, Kuroneko, who died during an accident while attempting to prove the existence of extraterrestrial life. Ryouta, having dedicated his life to astronomy to honor her memory, is shocked when a new transfer student, Kuroha Neko, arrives, bearing a striking resemblance to Kuroneko and demonstrating unnatural physical strength and mysterious abilities. Ryouta quickly learns that Kuroha and several other girls he soon encounters are 'witches'—escapees from a clandestine research facility known as Vingulf. These girls possess supernatural powers granted by surgical modification and specific alien technologies, but their survival is conditional upon taking a daily capsule, without which a grotesque parasitic growth will erupt from their necks, leading to death. The narrative focuses intensely on the race against time, as the witches' remaining lifespans are dangerously short. Ryouta dedicates himself to protecting them and leveraging his scientific knowledge to find a permanent means of survival, all while evading relentless assassins sent by Vingulf to eliminate them and retrieve the experimental subjects. The series masterfully blends intense action and thrilling mystery with profound themes of responsibility, scientific ethics, and the poignant desire for a normal life amidst certain mortality, making the setting feel both high-stakes and deeply emotional. The 13-episode run adapts material from the manga by Lynn Okamoto, concluding with an ending that, while providing closure to the immediate conflict, leaves the broader fate of some characters open-ended.

Brynhildr in the Darkness presents a compelling, character-driven narrative, though its execution is marked by notable inconsistencies typical of ambitious adaptations. Studio Arms delivers animation that is generally solid, particularly regarding character designs and atmospheric background art, establishing a suitable tone of sci-fi despair. However, the action sequences often lack fluid dynamism, relying instead on quick cuts or static frames, which occasionally undercuts the tension inherent in the combat scenarios. The voice acting is a significant strength; performances, particularly those conveying the witches' constant emotional fragility and existential dread, are highly convincing and add necessary depth to their tragic circumstances. Where the series struggles most is pacing. The initial mystery and setup are expertly handled, drawing the viewer into Ryouta’s protective mission. Yet, as the plot progresses, the density of the source material forces a rapid acceleration in the final third. This results in crucial plot developments feeling rushed, diminishing the impact of significant reveals and leaving several supporting antagonists underdeveloped. Thematic exploration of hope versus despair, and the cost of scientific progress, remains strong, providing a consistent philosophical core. Despite the choppy pacing and a reliance on certain fan service elements that detract from the seriousness of the situation, the anime succeeds as a dark psychological thriller, providing a memorable, albeit truncated, adaptation that resonates due to its strong emotional focus on mortality and sacrifice.