Denji encounters a new romantic interest, Reze, who works at a coffee café.
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is a cinematic rollercoaster that tries to fuse tender teenage romance with brutal, high-octane violence. It’s a bold attempt to expand the anime’s universe, but the result is a film that feels emotionally disjointed and structurally uneven. For longtime fans, it’s a visceral treat. For newcomers, it’s a confusing plunge into chaos.
The film opens not with blood and chainsaws, but with a surprisingly subdued tone. Denji, our hormone-driven protagonist, is caught between two women: the enigmatic Makima, his superior at Public Safety, and Reze, a charming barista he meets during a rainstorm. Their interactions are sweet, awkward, and laced with teenage longing. There’s a movie date, some flirtation, and a sense of normalcy that feels almost alien in the Chainsaw Man universe.
This first act is slow; almost too slow. It simmers with emotional tension but lacks urgency. The pacing drags as Denji’s internal conflict plays out in quiet scenes that feel more like a romantic slice-of-life than a supernatural thriller. Reze’s bubbly personality and Denji’s naïve infatuation create a believable, if slightly cliché, teen romance. But beneath the surface, there’s a creeping sense that things aren’t what they seem.
And then, the bomb drops...literally.
The film’s second half explodes into action, abandoning its romantic pretense for a barrage of violence, gore, and devilish mayhem. The villain is revealed, the Bomb Devil, a terrifying force of destruction who detonates herself with the flick of a finger. Her appearance is shocking, and the tonal shift is jarring. What was once a gentle story about young love becomes a battlefield of mutilation and chaos.
From this point on, the film is relentless. The fight scenes are kinetic and brutal, with Denji facing off against the Bomb Devil and other monstrous foes like the Typhoon Devil. The animation is dazzling; neon splashes of color, rapid cuts, and surreal choreography that defies physics. It’s a sensory overload, amplified by a pulsing soundtrack that feels more like a rave than a movie score.
Director Tatsuya Yoshihara and writer Hiroshi Seko clearly know how to stage a spectacle. The action sequences are some of the most visually impressive in the Chainsaw Man franchise. But the emotional weight of the first half doesn’t quite carry through. The romance, while touching, feels disconnected from the carnage that follows. The film’s structure, soft then savage, are so far on the opposite ends of the spectrum that it makes it hard to stay emotionally invested.
Supporting characters like Aki and Angel Devil make brief appearances, but their roles are underdeveloped. They serve more as background noise than meaningful contributors to the plot. This is a shame, as their presence could have added depth to the story’s themes of sacrifice and survival.
Thematically, Reze Arc explores Denji’s desire for normalcy and love, juxtaposed against the violent reality of his life as a devil hunter. The film displays Denji's fleeting chance at happiness, but also deadly threats. The duality gives the film a split personality: romantic drama on one side, hyperviolent thriller on the other. It’s an ambitious blend, but not a seamless one.
For fans of the anime, the film is a satisfying continuation. It doesn’t waste time rehashing old plot points, and it dives straight into new territory. But this also makes it less accessible to newcomers. Without context, the characters and their relationships are harder to grasp, though the broad strokes and context do keep it watchable. The film assumes you’ve done your homework; and if you haven’t, you’ll have a lesser experience.
The emotional climax hits hard, but it’s buried under layers of explosive action. Denji’s heartbreak, confusion, and growth are present, but they’re overshadowed by the spectacle. The final battle is a visual marvel, but it leaves little room for reflection. It’s thrilling, yes; but also exhausting.
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is simply a film of two halves. The first is a slow-burning romance that builds emotional stakes. The second is a chaotic descent into violence that shatters those stakes with explosive force. It’s a bold experiment in tonal contrast, but not always a successful one. The pacing issues and inconsistent tone can make it a challenging watch.
If you’re here for the blood, guts, and devil-slaying madness, you’ll get your fill. If you’re hoping for a coherent emotional journey, you might be left wanting. Either way, Reze Arc is a wild ride; and one that proves Chainsaw Man is anything but predictable.
Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc was released in NZ cinemas from 19 September 2025