Beebom Score
Koyoharu Gotouge’s Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer) quietly debuted in 2016, but soon stood out as one of the most promising modern shonen destined to carry the torch from the big three anime. Its anime adaptation by Ufotable Studios is a turning point in anime history, breaking the internet with its unbelievable animation quality back then (and still does today). Demon Slayer quickly became the gateway to anime among Gen Z viewers, and over the past 7 years, the anime has become a global sensation.
While the KnY manga ended within just 4 years, the anime has lasted for a long time and now enters its final saga. Instead of a traditional final season, Ufotable made a bold move to adapt the last arcs as a trilogy. After a long wait, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Chapter 1 has finally premiered in my city today, and here is my review of how the trilogy kicks off.
Demon Slayer Shifts Gears Towards the Endgame
The fourth season of Demon Slayer may have been stretched unnecessarily, but we can all agree that it perfectly set up the stage for the ultimate showdown between the Hashiras and the Upper Moon demons. Hence, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Chapter 1 movie didn’t need any time to build up further and opens straight into the chaos inside the hypnotic Infinity Castle.
There is no doubt that we have entered the endgame of the Demon Slayer series, with the Hashiras set out to take down the Upper Moons and their leader, Muzan Kibutsuji, after their failed attempt left them trapped inside the Infinity Castle. As the first installment in the Demon Slayer Infinity Castle trilogy, chapter 1 dives straight into the action and, at the same time, reveals the much-awaited flashbacks of some of the Hashiras as well as the Upper Moon demons.
The Clash of the Titans Begins
We have all been waiting for the day the all-out battle between the Hashiras and the strongest Upper Moons gets adapted by Ufotable. Our wishes have been granted as the clash between the titans of the Demon Slayer world is finally underway in the first chapter. While it is impossible to showcase all the battles in just the first installment, some of the main characters, such as Tanjiro, Giyu, Zenitsu, and Shinobu, take the center stage in part 1. As fate would have it, these characters are pitted against their destined demon foes, namely Akaza, Kaigaku, and Doma.
The voice acting cast of Demon Slayer has always poured their hearts into bringing these characters to life. Now, they push beyond their limits and deliver their strongest voice acting performances to date, elevating the final saga to the next level. Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro), Hiro Shimono (Zenitsu), Akira Ishida (Akaza), and more completely steal the show with their incredible voices, while the new cast members, Yuichi Nakamura (Keizo) and Lynn (Koyuki), leave a lasting impression in their debut roles.
Ufotable Showcases a Masterclass in Animation Once Again
Time and again, Ufotable Studios has been the backbone of the Demon Slayer anime, consistently offering animation quality beyond expectations. With the first part in the Infinity Castle trilogy, Ufotable once again reminds us why they are at the top of their game. From the ever-shifting Infinity Castle to the Hashiras’ breathtaking breathing techniques and the Upper Moons’ terrifying Blood Demon Arts, Ufotable faithfully adapts and masterfully crafts every frame.
All the major battle sequences are unparalleled, keeping you on the edge of your seat and deeply invested in the fate of your favorite characters. This is made possible by Ufotable’s seamless integration of 2D and 3D animations. As someone who has read the manga beforehand, I would still recommend watching the anime, as Ufotable’s visuals set every battle sequence ablaze on the screens. Yuki Kajiura’s impeccable soundtrack doesn’t go unnoticed, excellently elevating the intensity of the battles and the emotional weight of the flashbacks.
Verdict: Blockbuster Anime of the Year, Even With Its Shortcomings
I’ve been following the Demon Slayer anime since its debut in 2019. While storytelling may not always be its strongest suit, the Demon Slayer series excels with its rich characters and extraordinary battle sequences. The same holds true for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle movie. The first installment in the Infinity Castle trilogy is definitely a great start, but it is held back by the repeated expositions and flashbacks that interrupt the exhilarating fights.
The first chapter clearly suffers from pacing issues, and it’s hard to overlook, as flashbacks often appear at the most inconvenient moments. I believe that Koyoharu Gotouge’s pattern of staging fights might have worked better in an episodic pattern if a final season had been released. However, it doesn’t work well as a movie, as the frequent flashbacks undermine the high intensity of the battles.
As much as I cheered along with the audience during the intriguing fights, I couldn’t help but notice the brief lulls that came with the flashback sequences. While some flashbacks felt underdeveloped, one major flashback in the latter half genuinely moved me in the end.
The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle has been the most anticipated anime movie of 2025, and it truly lives up to its expectations. Despite some flaws in pacing, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle movie packs exceptional battles, surprising twists, outstanding voice acting performances, and breathtaking animation, making it a blockbuster anime of the year.
So if you are a fan of the Demon Slayer series like me, this visual spectacle is a must-watch on big screens. Hence, I highly recommend you watch it on big screens and celebrate it with fellow fans to have an unforgettable cinematic experience this year.
With that said, I can’t wait to watch the remaining two parts of the Infinity Castle trilogy in the future. In the meantime, let us know your thoughts about the first chapter of the Infinity Castle trilogy in the comments below.
