Cringe or Binge: The Promised Neverland

A ‘2020 Crunchyroll Anime Award winner for Best Fantasy and Best Antagonist’, The Promised Neverland‘s first season is only 12 episodes and is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Promised Neverland is an adaptation of the Japanese manga by Kaiu Shirai. The manga first began publishing on Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2016 before ending in 2020. Jumping right in, the year is 2045. It starts with an orphanage full of kids, well taken care of and happy. One of the little girls, Connie, is going to be adopted. She leaves a stuffed animal behind after going off with their house mom, and when two other children run after her, their entire lives are changed forever. 

Here at Maryville, we are supposed to dream big. What better way to expand your imagination than watching a short 12 episode series? Check out this trailer for Promised Neverland!

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

After the shattering of these children’s lives, another fight begins. They find Connie dead, hearing demon-like creatures discussing eating her. They get away, but their journey begins to save all the children at the orphanage. The children plan using limited means and lots of brainpower. SukYi Scott, an alumnus of Maryville, says, “Not what I expected out of a show about kids. More exciting and complex than I thought it would be.” 

They are now fighting to break out the walls surrounding them, but they don’t know what is outside the borders. Could they be facing more challenges, are there any humans that will help them? How many orphanages are there, just like this one? Regardless, the training and preparation begin. The mom of the house, Isabella, begins to catch on to them realizing something is wrong. They find it hard to act the same around her. She seems to be human, just like them, so why is she giving the kids away as food?

There is another unique factor of this show. The show’s perspectives shift between the three leading children, Ray, Emma, and Norman. As the plot continues, the story changes and evolves. It is much more captivating than just one main view.

The Promised Neverland is a well-rounded show that can interest people that have several different kinds of interests. The series carries you through so many emotions throughout the storyline, from horror to heartbreak to hope. It is fast-paced, and you will quickly end up at the last episode. Will the kids get away? Will they leave just to be eaten? You get stranded on a cliffhanger, but no worries, season 2 is premiering now on Funimation and Hulu!

I absolutely recommend this show to anyone interested in fantasy, thriller, and science fiction genres. A quote from a fellow Saint, Damon Gonzalez, tells us, “I believe The Promised Neverland is a thrilling anime to watch. As someone who doesn’t watch anime frequently, my concern for the kids hooked me into the show right away.” This show is worth a binge!