Twilight Out of Focus episode 3 review: The perfect beginning to Mao and Hisashi’s romance

Twilight Out of Focus episode 3, titled Our Feelings Aren’t Always Pretty, was released on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 11:30 pm JST. The third episode of Tasogare Out Focus sees protagonists Mao and Hisashi reconciling, marking the beginning of their romantic journey.

Mao overcomes his confused emotions, and the filming of their BL film plays a crucial role in clarifying his feelings. As Mao and Hisashi come together, the episode shows their budding romance while the filming nears its conclusion.

This episode serves as a pivotal turning point in the narrative. As such, this Twilight Out of Focus episode 3 review delves into the story’s development, production quality, performances by the staff and cast members, and more to evaluate the show’s progression.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Twilight Out of Focus anime.

Twilight Out of Focus episode 3 review: Studio Deen sets off Mao and Hisashi’s romance with exquisite animation and expert storytelling

Twilight Out of Focus episode 3: A brief synopsis

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Beginning with a brief recap of episode 2, Twilight Out of Focus episode 3 focuses on the shooting of the BL film. While the director praises Hisashi’s performance, Giichi notes Mao’s distraction. With a reminder of the significant kissing scene they need to shoot the next day, Mao resolves to focus better. That night, Mao and Hisashi discuss the upcoming scene.

Mao encourages a nervous Hisashi, who mentions the challenge of kissing someone they don't like. His words prompt Mao to think about their previous kiss and confession. During the shoot on the next day, Mao becomes distracted and jealous while Hisashi and Honjo film the kissing scene. His loss of focus causes him to trip, and Hisashi carries him to the infirmary.

Mao gets jealous (Image via Studio Deen)

Mao feels guilty for disrupting the scene. Recalling that Mao doesn’t lie on camera, Hisashi starts filming him and asks if he was thinking about Hisashi earlier. Mao confesses his insecurities, and Hisashi admits he feels the same. They reconcile with a kiss. At night, Hisashi asks if he can break their earlier promise. They share several sweet moments and finally get together.

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Hisashi also shares how his feelings for Mao have deepened his understanding of the film’s ending and made him more introspective. They start the next day with Mao filming Hisashi, capturing the starting moments of their new life together on camera. As the shoot continues, Mao approaches life with renewed clarity, no longer restrained by his emotions.

Mao confesses again in Twilight Out of Focus episode 3 (Image via Studio Deen)

As they film the kissing scene, Hisashi confesses his feelings while looking at the camera Mao is holding. Mao is deeply moved, tearing up as his vision blurs. Despite the emotional moment, he continues the shoot, capturing both Hisashi’s touching performance and the beautiful twilight scene. The episode ends with Mao responding to Hisashi’s confession with, "I like you too," as the shoot wraps up.

Twilight Out of Focus episode 3: Narrative, production, animation, soundtracks, and voice acting: A criticism

Studio Deen’s production of Twilight Out of Focus episode 3 continues to impress viewers with its superior visuals and storytelling. The production quality excels, with skillful narrative direction that vividly conveys the characters' emotions. The studio not only maintains but surpasses its animation standards with stunning visuals that are a feast for the eyes.

The cast delivers standout performances, particularly Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Mao and Yuma Uchida as Hisashi. The impressive soundtracks and background music continue to elevate the viewing experience. The narrative of the episode blends romance, drama, and slice-of-life elements with touching moments.

It skillfully explores Mao’s jealousy and growing realization of his feelings for Hisashi. The episode features several romantic and intimate scenes between the protagonists, which Studio Deen handles masterfully.

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Hisashi in the last scene (Image via Studio Deen)

They maintain a delicate balance between intimate moments and heartwarming scenes, effectively advancing the plot and developing the characters' relationship. The episode adeptly portrays the characters' emotions, especially Mao’s internal conflicts.

The final scene of Twilight Out of Focus episode 3 is particularly noteworthy, as it links the show's title to the story, adding deeper significance and integrating it seamlessly with the plot. This conclusion leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

For some viewers, the narrative pacing may feel brisk, given the rapid progression of Mao and Hisashi's relationship despite Mao’s emotional dilemmas. However, with the series already in its third episode, establishing their relationship at this stage is crucial.

Although a slower pace for developing their bond before moving to intimate scenes might be preferable, the studio's choice to accelerate the pacing could be justified, given the genre’s conventions and audience expectations.

In conclusion, the studio and staff have once again excelled in delivering an engaging and entertaining episode that viewers will thoroughly enjoy.

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Edited by Dishani Dutta