Chainsaw Man Reze Arc Movie Review: A Gorgeous Leap

The 2022 Chainsaw Man anime, produced by studio MAPPA, set a high bar with its slick, cinematic animation and fluid fight scenes. Its playful opening even dropped Denji and the cast into nods to famous films, a fitting wink given how often creator Tatsuki Fujimoto draws on movies he loves. With that kind of polish behind it, the jump to the big screen came with sky high expectations.

The good news is that Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc lives up to them. Directed by Tatsuya Yoshihara, who handled two episodes of the series, the film is a beautiful feast for the eyes that builds to a fast, enormous climactic battle.

What impressed me most, though, is not just the spectacle. The film trusts its story enough to let the quiet moments breathe, giving its characters as much care as its explosions.

For newcomers, Denji is a mistreated teenage orphan who merges with his dog, the Chainsaw Devil Pochita, to become Chainsaw Man and joins the devil hunting Public Safety organization. He carries a hopeless crush on its mysterious leader, Makima, who clearly has her own designs on him.

The film introduces Reze, a kind and flirty barista Denji meets while sheltering from the rain. She shares his humor, treats him with patience, and gently pushes him to think about his own life and his place in Public Safety, all while he wrestles with his feelings for her.

My take: This is everything I hoped a Chainsaw Man film would be, balancing dazzling action with real tenderness. If you have a soft spot for Denji, the Reze Arc will likely break your heart in the best way.