REVIEW: ‘Twilight Out Of Focus’ Episode 11 “Paths”

Twilight Out Of Focus Episode 11 begins the process of wrapping up the story with our three prominent couples. While the main story pivots back to Mao Tsuchiya (Yoshitsugu Matsuoka) and Hisashi Otomo (Yuma Uchida), we still touch base with Ichikawa (Masatomo Nakazawa) and Jin (Makoto Furukawa) and Shion (Soma Saito) and Rei (Takuya Eguchi), all of whom are settling into a form of youthful, domestic bliss. With the finish line in view, the drama tapers off, but not without one last resounding declaration from Mao. It’s a charming, light-on-its-feet episode highlighting the series’ strengths and avoiding the flaws plaguing the visual presentation since the start. It’s cute. And, in this case, that’s enough.

Due to framing it through the eyes of the three couples, Twilight Out of Focus Episode 11 breaks itself into segmented stories rather than all flowing effortlessly. Shion and Rei are still only newly together, though we get a peak of Shion being more vulnerable. He’s worried that the amount he works is tedious to Rei, who is touched he worries at all. Rei is happy to simply exist together, even if it means he just listens as Shion studiously works away in the background.

Ichikawa and Jin get the briefest moment, though it’s sweet and further establishes their dynamic. They meet under the guise of Ichikawa, lending Jin another BL manga. This offers one of the episode’s funnier moments as Ichikiawa demands that Jin not get angry with him after reading it since it contains a ‘MCD’ (main character death.) It’s a relatable moment for anyone who’s ever been a fan of anything and works to ensure that whoever we share that passion with is receptive. But really, the main reason they meet is because they want to see one another.

However, the character designs are off in this moment. Enough so to be noticeable but not enough to fully take us out of the sequence. We see this later, too, with Hisashi and Mao. It only becomes jarring because it’s not consistent. It’s not as bad as some other anime, but it’s the only real detriment for a series that delivers strong writing and quirky humor.

Regardless, the story between Mao and Hisashi continues to be the strongest romance. Perhaps because that’s how the series opened, but these two characters are the best-written and most established, making us care the most about their outcome. And, for the most part, they’re happy.

We get a glimpse of a passage of time as the two study, work part-time jobs, and go out on dates, and there’s clear comfort in one another. This all makes Mao’s major conflict easily digestible because it’s nothing that’s going to threaten the status of their relationship.

Essentially, Mao is insecure. He realizes that throughout their relationship, Hisashi has always initiated romantic gestures. Mao wants to be more assertive and show Hisashi that he cares for him just as much. It allows Mao a moment of growth without ever suggesting he’s actually let Hisashi down; it’s just that they’ve moved at their own speeds.

It’s a strong setup for the last portion of the series, especially as Hisashi is now getting a newfound notoriety following their viral short film due to his appearance. As Mao, Hisashi, and Ichikawa are ready to shoot a music video for a college band who, too, saw the short film, Mao is determined to better highlight his love for Hisashi.

Twilight Out Of Focus Episode 11 is a sweet and lighthearted installment highlighting all the main happy couples. While there’s nothing revelatory, it offers some soft, focused shots that lean into the series’ innate romanticism while allowing the characters to take the spotlight.

Twilight Out Of Focus Episode 11 is out now on Crunchyroll.