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[SPOILER FREE]

While reading this please keep in mind that this is my first review of a show/movie, but any and all criticism on it is always welcome.

Beastars is an exceptionally well crafted anime, and, is in fact, the first traditional "Anime" series that I've had the pleasure of watching to the end. You may be skeptical of watching this series, but let me tell you, that judgement is WILDLY misplaced. This show genuinely subverted my expectations in the best way possible. Beastars will make you laugh, and it'll make you cry.

I really enjoyed watching Beastars, and would give the show a solid 9/10 based on ... the following critiques and praises:

What I loved:

- The specific combination of traditional and digital artwork on top of a 2D/3D hybrid to allow for much creativity in the designs of the characters and scenes
- The amount of attention payed to the little sounds, including footsteps and general touching, to blood dripping, really amplified the symbolism portrayed
- Dialogue-wise, there are just so many emotions that are conveyed in each character interaction, from ingeniously subtle awkwardness to outright fury
- The idea of presenting a societal power dynamic, and the creative stories that the writers managed to pull from it. Beastars reminds me very much of Zootopia, but for more mature audiences.


What could have been better:

- The number of ex machinas in the plot is note worthy. An ex machina is a usually frowned upon writing device where the author uses an absurd solution to a conflict, to the point where it almost feels contrived. This isn't completely a bad thing, because it actually fits very well with the chaotic nature of the story and the power struggle, providing a little extra instability to keep the viewer on the edge of their seat
- The number of questions left unanswered by the end of the 1st season is INSANE. No I will not elaborate, I just hate cliffhangers