ReLIFE
“A Mixed Bag of Time Travel and Teenage Tropes”
ReLIFE is one of those anime that sounds like it’s going to be a game-changer but ends up being a bit of a letdown. At its core, the story follows Kaizaki Arata, a 27-year-old NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) who’s stuck in a rut after quitting his job due to workplace frustrations. Enter Ryou Yoake, a shady yet charismatic stranger from the ReLIFE Research Institute, who offers Arata a mysterious pill. Now, I know what you’re thinking: accepting drugs from a random guy on the street? Bold move. But this isn’t your typical sci-fi trip. The pill de-ages Arata physically, transforming him into his 17-year-old self, giving him a chance to relive his final year of high school as part of a social experiment to rebuild his life. Mentally, he’s still 27, carrying all the baggage of an adult navigating teenage drama.
This isn’t an isekai where the protagonist gets whisked away to a fantasy world or a complete do-over in an alternate timeline. Instead, ReLIFE keeps things grounded in a semi-realistic setting, with Arata returning to his own world, just a decade younger in appearance. The premise is intriguing, especially for anyone who’s ever fantasized about getting a second shot at youth. But while the concept promises something fresh, the execution feels like it’s trying to juggle too many ideas at once, resulting in a story that’s equal parts compelling and frustrating.
The Good: A Promising Premise and Some Standout Moments
At first glance, ReLIFE's setup appears to be a tired trope: a struggling individual receives a miraculous opportunity to turn his life around. Cliché, right? But the show manages to carve out a niche with its blend of introspective drama and slice-of-life high school antics. The idea of a 27-year-old navigating teenage social circles while grappling with adult insecurities is ripe for exploration, and ReLIFE occasionally delivers. For example, Arata struggles to connect with classmates like Chizuru Hishiro, a socially awkward but endearing girl, and Rena Kariu, a fiery volleyball player with her own insecurities, adding depth to the narrative. These interactions highlight the contrast between Arata’s mature perspective and the impulsive, emotional world of high school.
The episodic storylines also throw in some surprising twists. Episodes like the one focusing on An Onoya’s bubbly personality hiding deeper motives (no spoilers here!) or the emotional fallout of the school festival in episode 10 keep you hooked. Even though the show doesn't always succeed, its moments of dramatic tension and poignant emotion make it worth watching. The supporting cast—Arata’s classmates and fellow ReLIFE subject Ryou—adds layers of humor and heart, especially when their personal struggles come to light. For instance, Chizuru’s journey from social outcast to someone who begins to open up is a highlight, offering a satisfying arc that feels earned.
The Bad: Uneven Storytelling and Missed Opportunities
Despite its strengths, ReLIFE stumbles in its storytelling. The central premise—Arata getting a chance to remake his life—often takes a backseat to less essential subplots. For every episode that digs into Arata’s past regrets or his attempts to change his future, there’s another that becomes bogged down in predictable high school tropes: love triangles, sports festivals, or classroom rivalries. These feel like filler, diluting the show’s core focus. I kept waiting for a deeper exploration of the “why” behind Arata’s participation in the ReLIFE experiment. Why was he chosen? Why does the institute exist? The show teases these questions but rarely answers them, leaving the narrative feeling incomplete.
The pacing doesn’t help either. By episode 10, there’s a noticeable buildup of dramatic tension—think heartfelt confessions and emotional confrontations—that promises a big payoff. But the final episodes fumble the ball. Instead of leaning into the drama, the show shifts gears, focusing on lighter moments that would’ve worked better as OVAs or earlier in the season. For example, the resolution of certain romantic threads feels rushed, and the lack of closure for Arata’s personal growth is frustrating. I wanted more focus on his internal journey, but the show spreads itself thin, juggling multiple character arcs without giving any of them enough room to breathe.
Comedy That Doesn’t Quite Land
Humor is another area where ReLIFE falls short. The show tries to inject comedy through awkward interactions or exaggerated character quirks, but most of these moments feel forced. Arata’s fish-out-of-water moments as an adult in a teenager’s body should be comedic gold, but the jokes often land flat. A scene where he struggles with modern slang or gets roped into a school prank should’ve been hilarious, but the delivery lacks punch. The supporting cast, like the perpetually cheerful An or the deadpan Ryou, fares better, but even their comedic beats feel repetitive by the halfway mark. If you’re looking for a show that nails slice-of-life humor, ReLIFE might leave you wanting.
Art and Animation: Serviceable but Not Stunning
Visually, ReLIFE is solid but not groundbreaking. The art style, handled by TMS Entertainment, is clean and functional, with vibrant character designs that suit the high school setting. Whether it's a bustling classroom or a serene park, the detailed backgrounds add a sense of realism to the story. However, the lighting is a weak point. Sunlight often appears as flat, overly bright patches rather than dynamic rays, which can make scenes feel static. Character shading, on the other hand, is well-executed, giving the cast a polished look. While the character designs are not groundbreaking, they effectively convey their intended message. Arata’s teenage appearance is believably generic, fitting his everyman vibe, while characters like Chizuru and Rena have distinct looks that reflect their personalities. That said, the animation quality dips in long shots, where details start to blur, and the comedic sequences rely on simplistic, almost chibi-like visuals that don’t always hit the mark. If you’re a stickler for top-tier animation, ReLIFE might not wow you, but it’s perfectly watchable.
Sound: A Forgettable Soundtrack and Quiet Moments
The soundtrack is, frankly, a letdown. ReLIFE leans heavily on piano-heavy background music, which could’ve been a strength if used sparingly to underscore emotional beats. Instead, the same handful of tracks play on a loop, regardless of the scene’s tone. The opening theme, “Button” by PENGUIN RESEARCH, is catchy but grows repetitive, and the ending theme feels equally forgettable. Worse, the background music often feels like an afterthought, thrown in to fill silence rather than enhance the mood. There are moments—like during the fireworks festival—where the lack of ambient noise is jarring. There is no chatter from background characters, no buzz from the crowd, just silence. For a show aiming for realism, this choice feels oddly artificial. However, the voice acting stands out as a positive aspect. Kensho Ono as Arata delivers a nuanced performance, balancing the character’s adult cynicism with moments of teenage awkwardness. Ai Kayano’s portrayal of Chizuru captures her reserved yet heartfelt nature perfectly. The voice cast elevates the dialogue, making even the weaker scenes more engaging. Still, the lack of background noise in key scenes—like school events or public spaces—undermines the immersive quality the show seems to aim for.
Characters: Predictable but Occasionally Poignant
The characters are a mixed bag. Arata, as the protagonist, is relatable but doesn’t grow as much as I’d hoped. His journey from NEET to someone rediscovering purpose should be the heart of the show, but his development feels stagnant compared to characters like Chizuru. Chizuru's arc, centered on overcoming social anxiety, is the most compelling, featuring small but meaningful steps toward change. The other characters, such as Rena and Kazuomi Oga, fit into predictable archetypes—the tsundere and the stoic nice guy, respectively. Their romantic subplots are obvious, making it easy to predict who ends up with whom. While these relationships aren’t unlikable, they lack the depth or chemistry to feel truly heartfelt. The show’s focus on character development is inconsistent. Beyond Chizuru, most characters are defined by a single trait or quirk, which limits their complexity. Even Ryou, who seems poised for a bigger role, remains underdeveloped, serving more as a plot device than a fully realized character. I wanted to see more of Arata grappling with his past mistakes or reflecting on his second chance, but the show prioritizes lighter, episodic conflicts over deeper introspection.
Final Thoughts: A Show That Could’ve Been More
ReLIFE isn’t a bad anime, but it’s not a great one either. The premise of ReLIFE is unique enough to stand out among high school dramas, and the emotionally resonant moments—especially Chizuru’s arc and occasional glimpses into Arata’s regrets—make it worth watching. But the uneven pacing, lackluster comedy, and underdeveloped characters hold it back from greatness. The ambiguous ending doesn’t help, leaving too many questions unanswered and a faint hope for a second season that might tie up loose ends. (For those curious, the manga offers more closure, but I’d rather see the anime stand on its own.) To get the most out of ReLIFE, watch it at your own pace and try not to let reviews (including mine!) sway your expectations. Focus on the character moments and the novel premise, and you might find something to enjoy. But if you’re looking for a tightly plotted story or a transformative emotional journey, ReLIFE might leave you feeling like you’re stuck in a high school loop yourself—full of potential but not quite there.
