Twilight Out of Focus season 1 review: Studio Deen crafts a wholesome BL anime everyone needs to see at least once

After a three-month run that began on July 4, 2024, as part of the Summer 2024 anime lineup, Twilight Out of Focus season 1 concluded on September 19, 2024, with its 12th episode. The anime adapts Jyanome's acclaimed BL manga of the same name, which follows the romantic journeys of three BL couples as they navigate their relationships. Following its conclusion, fans are excited to add another wholesome BL series to their watchlists.

This Twilight Out of Focus season 1 review explores why Studio Deen's adaptation is a must-watch for anime fans, focusing on its production quality, cast performances, narrative development, and other key elements that make the show stand out.

Disclaimer: All opinions in the following review are subjective.

Twilight Out of Focus season 1 review: A deep dive into Studio Deen's BL anime adaptation and why it's a must-watch

A brief highlight and review of Twilight Out of Focus finale

Mao and Hisashi in the finale (Image via Studio Deen)

The last episode of Tasogare Out Focus, titled A Red Thread, was released on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 11:30 pm JST. This episode centers primarily on the development of Hisashi and Mao's relationship. It also follows Hisashi's personal growth, which Mao greatly influences.

The episode begins with the two spending time together, further strengthening their bond. Mao encourages Hisashi to have more confidence in his acting skills and convinces him to take on new roles offered by the film club.

The second half of the episode shifts focus to the music video shoot, where Hisashi is the lead. After filming wraps, a touching scene unfolds between him and Mao on a beach at sunset, symbolizing their deepening connection, intertwined with a red thread of fate. Mao even suggests they move in together after graduation.

The finale concludes on a heartwarming note when Mao's friends, Giichi, Teru, and Runa, assume he is dating Hisashi. Caught off guard, Mao hesitates to confirm it, wanting to share but also feeling protective of Hisashi's feelings. Sensing this, Hisashi takes the lead, proudly revealing their relationship.

With that, the anime ends on a touching and heartfelt note, giving Twilight Out of Focus season 1 a satisfying and fitting conclusion.

Twilight Out of Focus season 1: A directive and production criticism

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The debut Summer 2024 anime, Twilight Out of Focus season 1, quickly garnered acclaim upon release. The anime's first season has established itself as one of the most notable recent series—and for good reason.

From direction and animation to storytelling, soundtracks, and voice acting, the show not only meets but exceeds expectations in nearly every aspect, earning its place as a standout adaptation that captures the essence of its source material. The anime holds viewers' attention from start to finish, providing a truly captivating experience.

The anime production of Jyanome's acclaimed manga Twilight Out of Focus successfully retains the charm of the original work while surpassing it in many ways.

Studio Deen brings the world of Twilight Out of Focus to life with stunning production quality, under the impressive direction of Toshinori Watanabe.

The season offers a captivating and heartwarming narrative, accompanied by striking art, visuals, and animation throughout. Yoshimi Narita's masterful series composition further elevates the show, while Yoko Kikuchi's exceptional character designs breathe life into the characters in their animated form.

The designs not only capture the essence of their roles from the source material but also enhance the visual appeal, drawing viewers in with their captivating and stunning details.

Studio Deen's opening season features exceptional animation sequences that immediately capture viewers' attention. The romantic and emotional moments are executed with finesse, resonating with viewers and deeply connecting them to the narrative and the characters' emotions.

Even the intimate scenes are handled with excellent care, blending them seamlessly with the heartwarming tone of the story, ensuring that they remain both interesting and emotionally touching. The talented animators at Studio Deen have skillfully crafted the show's allure, delivering a beautifully charming Boys Love-themed narrative.

Each scene is meticulously rendered to convey the characters' emotions, allowing the audience to become fully immersed in the story. This precise execution helps the viewers connect with the characters and their evolving romance.

The storytelling stays consistent with the original manga, exciting fans of the source material by faithfully bringing their favorite characters and relationships to life through a beautifully executed production.

Studio Deen has truly excelled in producing Twilight Out of Focus Season 1, delivering a high-quality adaptation that remains loyal to the essence of the manga, closely mirroring the source material while providing a visually stunning, emotionally resonant experience.

Twilight Out of Focus season 1: Narrative and pacing: A criticism

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Studio Deen demonstrates skillful narrative direction in Twilight Out of Focus season 1, expertly balancing the romances of all three couples in this BL story. The narrative maintains a perfect equilibrium, giving equal attention to each couple and providing consistent updates on the development of their relationships.

As a result, the season delivers a well-rounded and heartwarming plot, offering viewers a romantic, wholesome, and emotional experience that marks the beginning of each couple's love story. Studio Deen excels in portraying the romantic journeys of the three main couples—Mao and Hisashi, Jin and Giichi, and Shion and Rei.

Their directorial approach effectively showcases the personal growth of all six characters, alongside the progression of their relationships. The narrative beautifully captures their emotional journeys as they come to understand their own feelings and those of their loved ones.

It explores how they navigate various challenges, balancing personal lives, studies, careers, hobbies, and, of course, romance. The real-life approach of the storytelling resonates deeply with the audience, allowing viewers to experience emotions that mirror situations they might face in their own lives.

Mao and Hisashi in episode 12 (Image via Studio Deen)

The pacing of Twilight Out of Focus season 1 is also well-executed, starting on a strong note by focusing on the main couple, Mao and Hisashi, in the first four episodes to lay the foundation for their romance. Episodes 5-7 shift attention to the second couple, Jin and Giichi, building their love story, while episodes 8-10 center around Rei and Shion, marking the start of their romantic journey.

The final two episodes skillfully wrap up the narrative, showing how each couple's relationship progresses as they move toward graduation and prepare for new chapters in their lives—whether it be college, careers, or other life goals.

While some fans might initially feel the pace is a bit fast, the decision to divide the focus across episodes makes sense for a 12-episode season. This approach ensures each couple's romance is given equal attention, with the narrative deftly balancing their stories by dedicating separate episodes to each pair.

In the last two episodes, the story rounds up with a satisfying conclusion, blending romance with personal growth and development, showing how each character navigates life outside of their relationships while still growing within them.

That said, Mao and Hisashi's absence from episodes 5-10 might feel noticeable, especially for fans eager to see more of their story. Given that they're missing for half of the season, some viewers may miss their presence during this stretch. However, the focus shifts back to them in the final two episodes, restoring the plot's balance by revisiting their relationship and character arcs.

Considering the 12-episode limit in Twilight Out of Focus season 1, the choice to temporarily step away from Mao and Hisashi's story allows the other couples' romances to develop, bringing variety and a refreshing dynamic as multiple BL romances unfold simultaneously.

Evaluating how the story fared as a Boys-Love series: An in-depth criticism of the BL narrative

Studio Deen delivers an adept portrayal of a Boys Love-themed narrative in Twilight Out of Focus season 1, effectively capturing the romantic journeys of its three central couples. Each couple's story is thoughtfully explored, setting in motion their individual paths toward love.

While some characters are aware of their attraction to the same sex from the beginning, others gradually come to terms with their feelings as they navigate new romantic emotions, ultimately discovering their true desires.

For instance, Mao starts off as a self-proclaimed straight man, only to eventually fall for his homosexual roommate, Hisashi. Similarly, Jin and Giichi were initially not attracted to the same sex but began exploring their feelings for one another after spending time as roommates.

Notably, Giichi, who had always been interested in BL themes and manga, initially declared he was straight, but his evolving relationship with Jin sparked unexpected romantic feelings, thus marking the start of their love story.

Mao and Hisashi's date (Image via Studio Deen)

Twilight Out of Focus season 1 not only presents a Boys Love narrative but also delves into the characters' exploration of their sexual identities and emotions, capturing the confusion and curiosity that often come with discovering new feelings.

This mirrors the real-life experiences of individuals who may struggle to understand unfamiliar emotions and attractions, making the portrayal feel authentic and relatable.

The narrative excels in this portrayal, giving the series an excellent narrative approach. Beyond the BL theme, the anime offers a beautiful, wholesome romantic story that resonates with viewers regardless of sexual orientation.

Its depiction of love and emotional growth is universal, making Twilight Out of Focus season 1 a compelling watch for anyone seeking a balanced, nuanced, and heartwarming romantic anime. Its thoughtful execution makes it a standout choice that any anime fan should experience at least once.

Twilight Out of Focus season 1: Cast, voice acting, OST, and music: A criticism

Mao and Hisashi in Twilight Out of Focus season 1 (Image via Studio Deen)

In addition to Studio Deen's stunning production and animation, Twilight Out of Focus season 1 features talented voice casts whose incredible performances enhance the series. Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, known for his roles as Sword Art Online's Kirito, Food Wars' Souma, and Demon Slayer's Inosuke, voices Mao, skillfully bringing out his determined personality.

Yuma Uchida, recognized for his roles as Kyo in Fruits Basket, Fushiguro in Jujutsu Kaisen, Kawaki in Boruto, and Uenoyama in Given, delivers a standout performance as Hisashi, capturing his charm perfectly.

The cast also includes notable voice actors such as Masatomo Nakazawa, who voices Giichi (voices Haruki in Given), Makoto Furukawa as Jin (voices One Punch Man's Saitama, Solo Leveling's Jinchul), Souma Saitou as Shion (voices Black Clover's Yuno), and Takuya Eguchi as Rei (behind Spy x Family's Loid and Given's Akihiko).

Each actor brings their character to life, translating the essence of their roles from the manga to the anime with great skill.

The music composition in Twilight Out of Focus season 1 is another highlight, perfectly complementing the show's themes with its mellow, catchy, and heartwarming tunes. Composed by Satoshi Hōno and Kaori Nakano, the soundtrack enhances each scene, especially the romantic and emotional moments.

The opening song, "Crank Up" by Ikusaburo Yamazaki, sets the perfect tone for the series, while the ending theme, "Unchain×Unchain" by the music duo Amber's, offers a touching and comforting close to each episode. Together, these elements make Twilight Out of Focus season 1 an engaging and unforgettable experience.

Final thoughts

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In summary, Twilight Out of Focus season 1 was undeniably a fantastic season. Studio Deen provided a compelling and immersive experience, skillfully blending emotional depth and romance with character growth and slice-of-life elements.

The stunning animation further enhanced the experience, delivering a powerful blend of emotions, drama, and heartwarming moments that led to a satisfying conclusion to the season.

For anime fans who enjoy wholesome romance, a narrative with strong character development combined with a real-world essence, and are interested in or open to exploring a unique twist on romance, particularly in the BL genre, this anime is a must-watch.

It offers a delightful story that delivers both quality entertainment and a truly fulfilling and rewarding experience. As such, anime fans should definitely consider watching it at least once.

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Edited by Dishani Dutta