REVIEW: ‘Twilight Out Of Focus’ Episode 7 — “A Fateful Resolution”

Twilight Out of Focus Episode 7 wraps up the love story between Ichikawa and Jin with soft lighting and even softer declarations. Diving into their backstory to highlight their growth and the destined path they lay on, “A Fateful Resolution” delivers peak romance without ever forgoing the strong characterization of each character. The animation continues to falter with slideshow styles and restrictive movements, but at this rate, it’s something viewers simply have to accept to enjoy the highlights. It’s a shame, but seven episodes in seems like a given, aside from a few key sequences.

The characters remain the highlight in Twilight Out of Focus Episode 7, which is of vital importance as the animation flounders. Ichikawa (Masatomo Nakazawa) and Jin (Makoto Furukawa) are well-defined, making their inevitable coupling up and the next step of their relationship all the more thrilling. We see through a flashback that Jin has been in awe of Ichikawa since they were kids, and both of them submitted work to a child film competition. Jin came in second, and noticing the first-place recipient, Ichikawa was shocked to see that he was crying out of frustration.

Jin might’ve been happy to be a runner-up, but Ichikawa was miserable and had to lower himself to a kid’s competition despite being one himself. That absurdism and weird conflict of ego and vulnerability make Ichikawa such a fascinating character, especially as he lets his guard down in front of Jin. It’s also why Ichikawa constantly needles Jin, unable to accept why he’d be so happy to accept subpar work when he’s capable of greater. Jin sums the two of them up perfectly by saying that while Jin is soft on himself and others, Ichikawa is hard on himself and others.

Jin is able to build camaraderie in his group but can’t deliver a final product he likes; he is an effective and well-liked leader but a lukewarm artist. Meanwhile, Ichikawa creates good art but pisses off his friends and team constantly. They’re terrific foils for one another and, ultimately, love interests as they accept one another’s feelings and move forward in their relationship in Episode 7.

Twilight Out Of Focus Episode 7 continues to shine a light on the intimacy of the relationships. Frank in the depiction of their sexuality, the series once again leans into the overt romanticism of these moments with twinkling lights and hazy focus as the two playfully lean into the physical side of their relationship. It still remains something subtly radical about the series and its depiction of love, sex, and all of the emotions that are tied to it.

It’s that understanding of their newness and the early-stage fragility of a relationship that informs the back half of the episode. Ichikawa’s grandfather is doing better, meaning Ichikawa can return home sooner rather than later. Jin worries that Ichikawa is pulling away and lays bare his feelings for him. However, Ichikawa’s true concern is how lonely he’ll feel once they’re no longer living together, both of them having gotten used to their roommate situation. It’s a touching sequence that undercuts Ichikawa’s typical bluster, once again showing his authentic self to Jin.

But what makes Twilight Out of Focus Episode 7 so much fun is that even with these declarations and moments of tender honesty, Ichikawa remains himself, which is something of a pest. In a video meant to send off the third-years, Ichikawa begins by trying to be celebratory and respectful before succumbing to a rant where he both compliments Jin’s leadership and harps on about how his style has made it impossible for Ichikawa to take over. Someone asks what their relationship is, landing on the fact that it must be a “love-hate” one, and it’s hard to disagree.

Twilight Out Of Focus Episode 7 allows for the sweet and sour nature of Jin and Ichikawa’s relationship to flourish. It’s a strong example of solid writing that understands its characters while making sure that the versions they show one another differ from their outward personalities. “A Fateful Resolution” is a season highlight with definite humor and some introspective moments.

Twilight Out Of Focus Episode 7 is out now on Crunchyroll.