Sci-fi anime holds significant importance—not only for anime as a genre but also for its cultural impact on all of film. Iconic works like Ghost in the Shell directly influenced The Matrix, and Paprika served as inspiration for Inception. So, when I kept hearing how incredible Patema Inverted is, I had high hopes that I would be witnessing another classic that could inspire future filmmakers. What I saw, however, was far from that—and frankly, a major disappointment.
The story begins with an experiment gone wrong: scientists attempted to harness energy from Earth’s gravity, but instead, entire cities began to rise from the ground. We then transition to Patema, who lives in an underground society and loves exploring the “danger zone” her people are warned to avoid. She’s drawn to this area because her friend Lagos mysteriously disappeared there. When she ventures back into the danger zone, she’s startled by a figure that attacks her, causing her to fall into a shaft and end up in a world where she’s inverted—where everyone appears to be standing on the ceiling. She meets Age, a boy from this world, who decides to help Patema find her way home.
“Frustrating” is the key word to describe this film. In terms of world-building, it’s exceptional—seeing how thoroughly the world is fleshed out is remarkable. The architecture of the two civilizations feels distinct and beautifully realized. I also loved the concept of two societies divided by how they interact with gravity; it’s truly intriguing. However, our leads are rather dull. I was never invested in their motivations, and the relationship that develops between Patema and Age feels unearned and lifeless.
Additionally, the narrative itself feels lacking. The villain is comically evil, every plot revelation is predictable, and as a result, nothing ever feels truly surprising. I just couldn’t bring myself to care about what happened on screen. It’s a shame, because the world these characters inhabit is so rich and vibrant, filled with life and detail, yet the narrative fails to do it justice.
It’s a shame because visually, this film is something special. As mentioned, the two civilizations feel distinct, each with its unique flair. Patema’s world is an underground city with a steampunk aesthetic, while Age’s world is a modern utopia with towering skyscrapers. The visuals are stunning, and when the camera inverts to show each character’s perspective, we truly feel the vastness: for Patema, the sky is a terrifying expanse, while for Age, the infinite void below is equally haunting.
I really wanted to love this film for its visuals alone. Patema Inverted is an incredible visual experience and a treat for the eyes, but narratively, it falls flat. It’s not a bad film—not at all—but it’s also not great; it’s just fine. Nothing particularly special, and unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the hype.
★★1/2
Available on Blu-ray / Cassandra Lee Morris, Michael Sinterniklaas, Robbie Daymond, Bill Lader, Chris Niosi / Dir: Yasuhiro Yoshiura / Anime Limited / PG
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