CloverWorks has unveiled a new anime anthology film titled Grotesqqque, helmed by director Atsushi Nishigori, known for his work on Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time and Darling in the Franxx. The film, co-produced by CloverWorks and Joen, is set to premiere in Japanese theaters on November 6, with an early screening at the Fantasia International Film Festival in July. Nishigori's involvement, stemming from a desire by CloverWorks vice president Yuichi Fukushima to collaborate with the director, marks a significant new original work in a market often dominated by franchise spin-offs.
Grotesqqque comprises three distinct segments, each directed by Nishigori or another prominent animator. The first segment, "Æliens," is directed by Nishigori and features an adorable, malleable octopus alien girl protagonist. The second, "4649 Girl," is directed by Takahiro Miura and presents a cyberpunk aesthetic reminiscent of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, with an all-girl cast. The third segment, "Nocturne: En Cette Nuit Grotesque," also directed by Nishigori and featuring his character designs, appears to explore a "girls' love" narrative involving vampires and a group of girls on a trip.
The trailer for Grotesqqque highlights a striking diversity in visual styles across its three parts, from the vibrant colors of "Æliens" to the neon-lit "4649 Girl" and the more subdued atmosphere of "Nocturne." Despite these stylistic differences, Nishigori's art direction reportedly provides a cohesive thread that elevates the anthology. The film is positioned as a showcase for Nishigori's artistic range, drawing parallels to his acclaimed work on Gurren Lagann and Darling in the Franxx, where he blended action, drama, and romance.
Adding to the film's extensive production is a soundtrack featuring contributions from 35 artists. The opening theme, "Shoot Shoot Shoot," is performed by Metalverse, with additional tracks from notable Japanese artists including ASCA, Mika Ichinose, Reol, and more. This broad musical collaboration underscores the film's ambition to be a contemporary spectacle.
In an industry landscape where many anime films are extensions of existing series, Grotesqqque stands out as an original creation. While blockbuster franchises like Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man continue to drive box office success, the emergence of original projects like Grotesqqque provides a vital platform for directors and artists to explore new creative avenues.