Review of Horimiya

Interesting Idea, Generic Execution (mostly spoiler-free review ahead) Horimiya starts with an intriguing premise - an exploration of hidden sides and the contrast between public image and private self. But what follows is a disappointingly standard school romance. The story is simple and could fit on the back of a napkin. It is clearly character-driven, but the characters lack real individuality. Let me be clear: most of them feel like variations of the same archetype, differing only in appearance rather than personality. The romantic motivations are random and lack believable emotional depth. The drama is minimal, which is probably for the best, but the emotional weight ofthe few attempts falls flat. The characters are generally fine, but few are genuinely likeable or memorable. Miyamura, who initially stands out with his tattoos and piercings, ends up being surprisingly bland. The show fails to explore what makes him different beyond surface-level traits.

The humour is forgettable, and the supporting cast is interchangeable with the leads. There are a few minor twists that manage to surprise or add some flavour, but they're rare and not enough to elevate the overall experience. The music is satisfactory without being outstanding, and the art style, while not revolutionary, aligns well with the show's atmosphere.

Horimiya aspires to be more than your typical school romance, but falls short in terms of both narrative and emotional depth. Despite its ambition, it ends up blending into the crowd - it is pleasant enough, but far from memorable.