Kizumonogatari – Koyomi Vamp wows with its visuals and impresses with a character-driven story that redefines vampire tropes.

After all, the lead character, Koyomi (Hiroshi Kamiya), meets a vampire with severed limbs at a train station who pleads for his blood. This will save her life, but in turn, end his. That in itself is enough to make any horror fan curious!

What is so unique about Kizumonogatari – Koyomi Vamp is that this film consists of three previous films (Part 1: Tekketsu, Part 2: Nekketsu, and Part 3: Reiketsu) that have been edited together and condensed into one feature-length story. Though I can’t speak about how many scenes from the standalone movies have been left out of this version, Koyomi Vampdoes a fantastic job of shifting from one scene to the next and finding unique ways to piece them together. Some editing choices may feel jarring to some viewers and disrupt the narrative flow, but the transitions perfectly encapsulate the film’s quirky tone, erratic nature, and eclectic style. 

Kizumonogatari – Koyomi Vamp also blends multiple genres (fantasy, action, and horror) skillfully while creating innovative world-building and mesmerizing artistic imagery that showcases the film’s mood and evokes the emotions it wishes the audience to feel. The feature also boasts stunning visuals and action-packed fight sequences that are exhilarating to watch and allow viewers to become completely lost in the spectacle. 

If, like me, you’re unfamiliar with any of the previous Kizumonogatari films, some elements of this feature may surprise you, but that is by no means a negative thing. For one, I was taken aback by just how much gore is incorporated into the narrative, so if you enjoy bloody anime horror, there’s plenty here to sink your teeth into. The action-fight sequences also become so outlandish that they are downright hilarious. However, rather than feeling cheap and cartoonish, these scenes fit perfectly into the mythical world of vampires, who can have limbs ripped off, only for them to regenerate moments later. 

But where Kizumonogatari – Koyomi Vamp excels the most is through its interesting characters and distinctive storyline. Most films centering around vampires paint them as bloodthirsty predators who are a threat to humans and hunt them down to feed. Although those elements are explored in this film, Kizumonogatari – Koyomi Vamp is unique in that it doesn’t fit the typical “vampire who hunts its victim” narrative.

Instead, a shift in power takes place. When Koyomi and the vampire Kiss-Shot first meet, she is weak and desperately needs help. Though Koyomi is human, in that moment, he is the one who holds the cards and has all the power. When our protagonist decides to help the hopeless vampire, he not only shapes Kiss-Shot’s future, but his selfless act of empathy changes his life in a way he’d never have imagined. I really admire the film for starting with such a fresh take on a vampire story and the irony of the situation, as a good deed turns into a living nightmare.

Another highlight of Kizumonogatari – Koyomi Vamp is the feature’s compelling characters, who are engaging and well-developed, particularly Koyomi. He’s extremely likable, making the audience connect with him instantaneously as his kindness and compassion for others shine through. This is most apparent when exploring his friendship with Tsubasa (Yui Horie), as the pair grow close quickly and form trust and a special bond. Their strong desire to protect one another grounds the film and shows viewers glimpses of hope in an otherwise bleak, albeit gripping, narrative. Then we have the evil, mighty Kiss-Shot Acerola-Orion Heart-Under-Blade (her full name, and quite the mouthful), voiced brilliantly by Maaya Sakamoto. As the wicked vampire, she is the best kind of antagonist—manipulative and sinister—yet you can’t help but be intrigued by her backstory while hoping to uncover her hidden agenda.

Though Kizumonogatari – Koyomi Vamp is by no means the sort of film I’d usually look out for, it’s a visually stunning feature with a captivating plot, engaging characters, and noteworthy gore and action sequences. If you’re a fan of the previous Kizumonogatari films, this movie’s smooth narrative consisting of three edited films is sure to impress. If, on the other hand, you’re a newcomer to the anime space, this fantastical action-horror spectacle is a great introduction to the medium to get your feet wet.

Kizumonogatari – Koyomi Vamp premiered at the Fantasia Film Festival on July 27, 2024.

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