The Case Study of Vanitas
2021
Original language: Japanese
- animation
- action & adventure
- mystery
- sci-fi & fantasy
The story
In 19th-century Paris, young vampire Noé finds the Book of Vanitas in human hands. Calling himself Vanitas, this doctor wields its power and tempts Noé with a plan to “cure” all vampires. Allying with him may be dangerous, but does he have a choice?
What it’s like
Gaslit Paris rendered in amber lamplight, brass and dark velvet, with gothic interiors and steam-filled streets that give the action a rich, ornate weight. Its palette leans on deep blues and burgundy shadows broken by warm candle glow, and its backgrounds have a painterly depth that suits slow looks at period rooms. The vibe is atmospheric and bittersweet, with a wry, bookish intelligence running under the supernatural melodrama. It suits a late evening with headphones, or a binge after a long week. The pacing alternates between quiet conversational scenes and bursts of stylish combat, and the central bond between two unlikely partners, one reluctant and one scheming, gives the story its emotional pull. Violence is present and sometimes bloody, with vampire fights and sudden injuries, but it is stylized rather than prolonged, and there is little sexual content. It is best for viewers who enjoy gothic fantasy, character-driven mystery, and period steampunk with a melancholy edge.
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