Product Info

Studio

Science SARU

Director

Fûga Yamashiro, Abel Gongora

Genre

Action, Animation, Sci-Fi

Rated

R

Theatrical Release Date (NA)

Jun 6, 2025

Film Length

1hr 33min

Purchase From

Dan Da Dan comes off a strong season one and many wonder if season two will continue hitting the ground running. Evil Eye is a featured film that showcases the first three episodes of season two in a full-length movie format, and it doesn’t disappoint.

Highlighting Season One

The film starts off with about twenty minutes of highlight clips from season one, getting the audience up to speed since its last episode aired at the end of 2024. While it tries to cover as much ground in that time frame, there are a few scenes that could have been arranged specifically for this film feature. For example, more details about the yokai (supernatural spirit) who cursed Ken Takakura, also known as Okarun, and how he was able to maintain her powers and less about characters that aren’t in this film. It at least gives newcomers a better understanding of the characters they are about to watch.

Once caught up, the film dives right into what just occurred at the end of season one though the production team could have cut off a piece of the end of the highlight as it was reanimated again for season two. Throughout the film, there are fades that occur in-between scenes, showcasing commercial breaks. For a film-length feature this could have been altered to give it a more cinematic style.

A Wormy Situation

Momo Ayase, one of the main protagonists who has psychokinetic powers, finds herself in a bad position at the local town’s hot springs. It’s a creepy scenario seeing middle-aged men from the Kito family creeping on her, but her luck strikes and she is able to make the men flee. Later, she finds Okarun and her childhood friend, Jiji, in trouble with the full attendance of the Kito family. The family has lived for hundreds of years giving offerings to the Serpent Lord, also known as the Mongolian Death Worm, to calm the volcano from erupting and save the local village.

However, this large worm is not the only issue. Another yokai dwells deep underneath the worm’s nest, seeking vengeance against humanity, known as the Evil Eye. This yokai looks to possess Jiji as a vessel, giving Momo and Okarun a run for their money due to Jiji’s supernatural ability sleeping inside and his athletic body.

The film’s pacing tends to go back and forth between slow-paced dialogues and action-packed scenes. However it’s not enough to derail the story and keep the audience engaged. There are quite a few scenes inspired by kung-fu themed movies and Japanese horror flicks, giving that eerie look and feel, such as the character designs of the Kito family. The visual effects used when the audience first witnesses the Evil Eye and the Death Worm are great, and the suspense between these powerful yokai makes it fun to watch. Though the Death Worm seems to flee, the Evil Eye fills in the gap as the nemesis against the protagonists.

Color Me Surprise

After the film, there’s an interview with the two directors of season two who explain some of their thought processes, such as the colors used for the yokai. The color schemes used between the Evil Eye (purple) and Okarun’s transformation (red) are great in contrast. Originally, the director wanted to use white for the Evil Eye but Abel Gongora, the co-director of season two, who was the director of season one’s opening animation, suggested purple and it was a clear winner. The animation style feels great and continues from its previous season. Those who enjoyed season one should expect the same quality in this film and in season two.

The Kito family designs are well put together, giving a creepy feel with its color theme and evil smirks that give it that horror vibe. Evil Eye’s yokai form looks creepy in its own way with its twisted face and elongated body. However, once it gains its vessel, the Evil Eye looks completely like a new character that looks and feels powerful.

The soundtrack does a good job of adding suspense and thrill to the necessary scenes and doesn’t overshadow the dialogue. Watching both the Japanese and English voiceovers, while the English does a good enough job, the Japanese voiceovers feel more fluid and powerful.

The Final Run

An early screening provided for this review. Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye picks up right where it left off and doesn’t disappoint with its animation style and storytelling. For newcomers, it’s recommended to either watch the first season or find information elsewhere, as the movie may not fully explain the story.

Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye hits theaters on June 6th for a limited run. Fans can visit the official website for more information and tickets.