Review of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End stands out from other fantasy adventures by beginning where most would end. Instead of retelling a story we’ve already heard before, this Madhouse anime adaptation focuses on the elven mage of the party of heroes who defeated the demon king, decades after the battle. As a nearly immortal elf, Frieren’s perception of time makes it harder for her to understand the feelings and desires of the humans, dwarves and other people she meets. Near the end of the first episode, Frieren realizes her desire to understand those feelings, and appreciate the short time they’ve been given. Shortly after gaining a disciple,the soft-spoken Fern whose magical potential is off the charts, Frieren embarks upon a new expedition; one where the stakes are far lower, but might be all the better for it. The action takes a backseat throughout the majority of the 28-episode season - but it is phenomenal when it pops up - because Beyond Journey’s End prioritizes the little things instead. Whenever Frieren learns something about a comrade, someone she encounters along her new quest, or anytime one of her new compatriots is able to grow and change the show gives us breathing room to celebrate. Sure, there’s no world-ending threat on the horizon, but who needs one when you have such great characters. I’d gladly watch Frieren, Fern and the kind-hearted but extraordinarily powerful warrior Stark run more side quests or go shopping instead. It’s a relaxed, but beautiful and often emotional show that I hope hasn’t run its course quite yet.