REVIEW: ‘Jujutsu Kaisen,’ Episode 11 – “Narrow Minded”

Jujutsu Kaisen is a horror-action anime produced by MAPPA. As Kento’s fight with the curse that is manipulating Junpei goes into overtime, Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 11 allows Itadori to take some time to get to know Junpei by having dinner with him and his mom. What will Itadori learn of this troubled young man? And will it help, or hinder him, in the days ahead?

Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 11 continues to deliver the excellent balance of story and action that was begun in the previous episode. As this story opens with the reveal of Kento’s full power, we see the jujutsu sorcerer going all out against his opponent. The magnification of his established techniques, taken to this new level, is thoroughly impressive. Though how the fight wraps up was certainly a surprise to me.

Meanwhile, though Itadori makes contact with Junpei, his chaperone gets separated from him, forcing Itadori to make some decisions of his own as to how to deal with Junpei. While getting to know the young man, the two stumble across Junpei’s mom. Happy to see her son has a friend, she quickly invites Itadori to supper. As no shonen protagonist could ever pass up a free meal, Itadori accepts.

This dinner time sequence delivers the heart of Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 11. It fills the episode with something there hasn’t been much of, laughter. As Junpei’s mom helps herself to a few adult beverages, she and Itadori quickly begin joking during dinner. This laughter-filled meal provides a great break from the mounting tension the series has had. It provides a moment of genuine warmth for Itadori. As a personality who feels built on the notion of kindness, it is something I’m sure he desperately needs.

As the night winds down for the dinner party, Itadori and Junpei find themselves wading into deeper philosophical waters. As Junpei confirms he knows of jujutsu sorcerers, the discussion turns to matters of life and death.

The final portion of Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 11 takes a darker turn, which I won’t spoil. It suffices it to say that it lands in stark contrast to the happy moments that were just had. It delivers an emotional gut-punch, shaking things up shockingly and tragically. The full ramifications of this ending will be on the show as we advance remains to be seen.

This episode’s visual work continues to deliver the quality of work MAPPA has become so famous for. Just as the opening action sequence is fluid and fun to watch, the personnel moments around the dinner table shine with just as much care given to them. Right up till the episode’s end, nothing fails to land in the visual presentation here.

When all is said and done, Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 11 turns last episode’s singular series high point for me into a streak. The action is good, and the emotional highs and lows of the episode pull you in, making you commit to the characters. I’m both looking forward to and dreading what the next episode will bring.

Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 11 is available for streaming exclusively on Crunchyroll.