Review of Horimiya

You'll like it if: • You're searching for a light-hearted high school romcom. • You're tired of waiting 2 seasons for the main ship to confess and another 3 for them to hold hands. • You miss those little fun moments in high school with your friends. • You love the small instances that build the dynamic between characters. You won't like it if: • You want something drama-heavy. • You're looking for a complex story. • You absolutely despise even remotely cliche characters.• You want the focus to be entirely on the main couple.

Story: Horimiya is a wholesome high school romcom, focusing on the relationship between Hori and Miyamura and by extension their friends, classmates, and families (at least Hori's) as they go on with their everyday lives. The whole premise is simple and down-to-earth and I think that's the strong suit of this show. The highs and lows never go out of proportion, making the situations and characters feel more realistic. The pacing is alright for the most part, some things regarding that aspect didn't really make sense to me but not to the point that it undermined my enjoyment.

Characters: This is what mostly drives the show. Somebody could argue that the characters are a bit cliche, but it's the dynamics between them and their back-and-forths (especially between the friend group) that give life to Horimiya and make it so nice to watch. Despite the main ship's name being on the title, most of the characters have their moments to shine despite the show's short run, which is something I always appreciate.

Art & Sound: The art is beautiful and compliments the story perfectly, and while nothing stood out to me from the soundtrack, I do feel that it set just the right tone, no complaints here.

Personal enjoyment: I loved Horimiya. I would say that in all its simplicity it is a unique show. Horimiya as a ship is realistic and adorable, and the cast's dynamics really made me feel cozy, like a part of that friend group, and a bit nostalgic. It is not a mind-blowing experience but it serves exactly what it promises.