Drama Digest
In a convenience store that is seemingly everywhere works a convenience store clerk who doesn’t talk properly and is the cause of chaos in modern communication. Soon the mystery of the hero Mutuo will be unlocked.
The Feel-Good Part
The anime series is extremely unique. The animation style is strong and distinct; it’s also not done in a way that is seen often, which is quite cool to watch because of its high novelty factor. The show is really fast-paced and doesn’t waste a single minute to add something to the plot. There are no fillers, which keeps the audience invested in the plot since there are no other distractions. The structure of the show is also quite unconventional as there are only twelve episodes, each lasting only three minutes. This is a rare format to be followed for an animated show. The world building aspect of the show is incredible as it gives the audience an extremely immersive experience since it’s done so well. Each episode is told from a different character’s perspective, which is interesting to watch as it is dynamic. The dry humour is another plus to the show. The payoff is great and well-earned by the end of the show, it wraps up on a memorable note.
The Disappointing Factor
The characters feel almost disposable as they aren’t given much time to develop due to its short run time. They only serve to tell the plot, which may get boring to watch as the show says more than it shows. There are too many plotlines done in a short time, which may come off as convoluted and confusing for certain viewers. There isn’t much of a strong plot that goes throughout the series, which may seem boring for some members of the audience.
In-Depth Analysis
This show has a very rare combination of mystery and slice of life. It does the premise and the respective genres justice as it is entertaining and complex enough to hold the audience’s attention till the very end. The unconventional format is quite desirable as it is easy to watch and adds to the mysterious aspect of the show. The distinct qualities of the show are its main selling point as it is well-written and executed. Shows with a strong atmosphere like this are rare to come by, which is why this really stands out.
Star Power
All the performances were excellent. Each character feels very distinct, which really reflects the show’s message and helps deliver it well. The voice actors are central to the success of the show’s format as each episode feels different because of the different character perspectives.
Overall Opinion
That is the Bottleneck is a very different show that takes on a lot of themes and delivers on most of them almost effortlessly. From an interesting premise to a strong execution, it has many things going for it that will pull the audience in from the very beginning and keep them interested till the end. This makes for a short and intriguing watch for those looking for something different.
