This anime fits alongside other shows like Wolf's Rain, Here and Now Then and There, and Grave of the Fireflies in terms of its pacing and its tone. A truly dark and emotionally uncompromising show that explores some of life's darkest aspects through a dystopian Sci-fi lens.
You can watch this show at face value, but I got more from this show by interpreting some of the shows themes not in a literal sense. Especially some of the episodic episodes in the first half of the season, which really take a life of their own presenting unique characters exploring wildly different themes. You could fit many of those episodes into the Twilight Zone.
It won't be for all audiences. It's pure tragedy and unflinching in depicting the pain and loss the characters experience.
For me, the only negative is that the show loses some momentum in the second half as the show starts to wrap up the story and the characters. Certain character beats are repeated as well. The story regarding Luna and her motives gets jumbled and can be hard to follow.
I still feel mature audiences should watch this as it shows the potential of anime to reach the emotional heights of live action.
