REVIEW: ‘Twilight Out Of Focus’ Episode 1 — “If This Love Is Going To Be Over Before It Even Begins…”

Based on the manga written and illustrated by Jyanome, Twilight Out of Focus Episode 1 delivers a sweet, if understated, introduction. Produced by Studio Deen (Sasaki and Miyano), the series introduces our two main characters, Mao Tsuchiya (Yoshitsugu Matsuoka) and Hisashi Otomo (Yuma Uchida), two second-years attending an all-boys high school. While Episode 1, “If This Love Is Going To Be Over Before It Even Begins…” doesn’t dive too deep into intricate characterizations, it gets across the romance and humor that injects itself into the source material.

On first viewing, Mao and Hisashi are opposites. At least, in terms of appearance, Hisashi’s wardrobe and general aesthetic are much bolder than Mao’s. However, they’re roommates and friends as well, though they’ve agreed and record three promises that serve as the foundation of their dynamic. Mao will never reveal Hisashi’s secret that he’s gay and has a boyfriend. Hisashi will never view Mao in a romantic light, and both will respect their necessary privacy.

From the start, their dynamic is sweet. They use their matching plushies to convey parts of their conversation to one another. But we learn more about what led to the two’s vows after a flashback where Hisashi first told Mao he was gay. In a moment of fever-induced distress, he made an advance on Mao, taking him to be someone else. And while Mao tries to push it under the rug, Hisashi instead reveals his sexuality, feeling it only fair due to prejudice and ignorant comments. Mao is fine with the news, and the two grow closer over time.

The main obstacle in Twilight Out of Focus Episode 1 comes when Mao’s film club decides their next production is going to be a Boy’s Love film. The club director, Giichi Ichikawa (Masatomo Nakazawa), was inspired by a recent manga he read, and the club followed suit. We haven’t learned much about the ensemble yet, but the OP promises an extensive cast that goes beyond our main leads. Look no further than a series such as Horimiya to see how integral a good, eclectic ensemble is to a romance anime.

The only problem is that Giichi wants Hisashi to take on the lead role, and Mao worries that by asking him, Hisashi will assume Mao betrayed his trust. Of course, Hisashi ends up perfectly fine with the question and is even eager to try it out. He wants to learn both more about the club and Mao in the process. He admires that Mao has hobbies, as he tends to meander instead.

This is where the crux of the real issue takes place, and the premiere finds its momentum. Because it’s while Hisashi is running a few of the lines as Mao records him that the latter realizes he has a crush on him. Having never had a crush before or given much thought to his sexuality, it comes to him as a surprise. And he’s heartsick over it immediately as he’s reminded soon after that Hisashi has a boyfriend.

Twilight Out of Focus Episode 1 wastes little time establishing the main couple and the first major conflict. Their opposites attract dynamic adds a greater charm to their potential pairing, especially as they start out as friends, their interactions fueled by affection. And while we don’t yet know anything about Hisashi’s boyfriend or their personalities beyond the basics, it’s easy to root for them from the jump.

Where the series falters beyond the expected first episode exposition is the animation. Stiff and a bit stilted, the character designs work best when at an angle or in movement, providing dynamic effects rather than simply straight-on. There’s decent coloring, and the overall atmosphere is nice, with a series composition that helps convey the characters’ emotions while playing with the cinematic elements of the club. From Mao’s daydreams of how to shoot a portion of the film to the way the introduction frames the two through the lens of a camera, there’s a necessary playfulness. But it works more in single images rather than strung all together.

With an engaging leading pair and a lovely, reflective story anchoring the clumsier moments, Twilight Out of Focus Episode 1 is a solid, if flawed, start. That said, with Mao’s realization at the end of the episode, there’s no doubt that the series will only pick up steam from here.

Twilight Out of Focus Episode 1 is out now on Crunchyroll.