“Twilight Out of Focus” is a Japanese anime BL series that introduces viewers to three distinct couples: Hisashi and Mao, Jin and Giichi, and Rei and Shion. While the marketing of the show focuses primarily on Hisashi and Mao, the series dives into all three relationships, each explored over the course of three to four episodes. Set in an all-boys boarding school, the characters are either part of, or connected to, the film club. Each couple has their own dynamic, and the series concludes by focusing on Hisashi and Mao, the first couple introduced. The 12 episodes, each running about 22 minutes, deliver a relatively short but impactful exploration of these relationships.
### Hisashi and Mao
Hisashi and Mao begin as roommates. Hisashi, at first, comes off as aloof, keeping to himself and rejecting Mao’s attempts to connect. It isn’t until Hisashi has a breakdown in their shared room that he confesses he’s gay, and Mao responds with understanding and support. Moved by Mao’s kindness, Hisashi begins to open up. Their friendship blossoms, and soon their bond turns into something deeper. Mao, a member of the film club, introduces Hisashi to Giichi, the president of the film club, who is directing a BL film and wants to cast Hisashi for the other lead role. As the two practice their lines, they find themselves drawn closer to each other. Their relationship grows beautifully as they explore their emotions and the gradual development of their love.
### Jin and Giichi
Jin and Giichi, the presidents of the drama and film clubs respectively, have a classic enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Jin, with his charming playboy persona, is known for his dazzling looks and confidence. On the other hand, Giichi, who is almost obsessive about his work, holds himself in high regard. They initially clash, with Jin belittling Giichi’s work, but fate forces them to become roommates. Over time, despite their bickering and love-hate relationship, they fall for each other. Their interactions, full of tension and humor, show a rocky but genuine bond. Despite occasional conflicts in front of others, their relationship proves that love doesn’t need to be perfect to be real—it just needs to be honest. It’s a refreshing portrayal of a not-so-smooth relationship that somehow manages to work.
### Rei and Shion
Rei, Jin’s best friend, shares a complicated relationship with Shion, a new first-year student who joins the film club. Shion’s initial reason for joining the club is to find a boyfriend, which Rei finds amusing and pretends to flirt with him to drive him away. Shion, though, sees through Rei’s game and plays along, but over time, they both realize they are deeply in love with each other. Their relationship is unique because it revolves around their growth. Shion learns to view Rei as a real person with feelings, and in return, Rei stops treating Shion as an idealized version of romance. Their journey is a slow burn, but one that feels authentic as both characters evolve together, though they still maintain their distinct personalities.
### The Pacing and Development
One issue that stands out in the series is the pacing of the relationships. With only three to four episodes dedicated to each couple, their emotional development and growth feel rushed, which can make their love stories feel forced rather than organic. Despite this, the show does succeed in delivering moments that will make the audience smile, whether it’s during confessions, first kisses, or intimate moments. Each couple has a unique dynamic, from Mao and Hisashi’s “friends-to-lovers” arc to Giichi and Jin’s “enemies-to-lovers” tension, to Rei and Shion’s “opposites attract” scenario. These dynamics add different flavors to the overall romantic theme of the series.
### Romance and Intimacy
At its core, “Twilight Out of Focus” is a romance-heavy show. The focus is primarily on how these characters fall in love and how they stay in love. The series also showcases physical intimacy, including long kisses and some tasteful lovemaking scenes. While the romance is enjoyable, the anime’s verbosity may be off-putting for some viewers. The characters tend to ramble on and on about their feelings in long soliloquies and introspective monologues. Although this can be interesting at times, the constant introspection can overwhelm the narrative, making it feel repetitive and verbose.
### Final Thoughts
Each couple gets a fair amount of screen time, but Mao and Hisashi are given the most substantial development. The final episode wraps up their relationship arc on a hopeful note, leaving viewers with a sense of closure. For me, while the series was charming, it ultimately felt just “okay.” It wasn’t particularly groundbreaking, anime or not, but for fans of BL romance, it provides enough sweetness and drama to enjoy.
