Review | PSYCHO-PASS: Providence

“PSYCHO-PASS: Providence is a great addition to this popular franchise. This is an enthralling and action-packed film that keeps you entertained all the way through to the end.”

PSYCHO-PASS: Providence is the latest installment of the popular sci-fi action thriller. Toho released the Production I.G.’s film in Japan on May 12. Crunchyroll will release it in North America on July 12 and in the UK and Ireland on August 2. It will also release in other countries across the world this Summer.

This new film connects the movie PSYCHO-PASS Sinners of the System Case 3: On the Other Side of Love and Hate and the third season of the PSYCHO-PASS series.

STORY

PSYCHO-PASS: Providence is set in 2118. Akane Tsunemori (Kana Hanazawa) and Shinya Kogami (Tomokazu Seki) are confronted with a case involving “Stronskaya Document” after an incident caused by the Peacebreakers. The case is bigger than Akane had expected as Dr. Stronskaya’s research could shake the foundation of the Sibyl System that the Japanese government controls.

Right from the start, it sets the tone on what you can expect. Indeed, it is an action-packed film that keeps you entertained all the way through to the end. It puts the protagonists to the test as their investigation takes unexpected turns. There is a political aspect to the plot which makes it really enthralling. The stakes are high and have consequences. What happens with the “Stronskaya Document” could change everything. So, there are a lot of players involved and not all the characters have the same goals and intentions. A lot is happening in this 2-hour film with plot twists and revelations. By the end of it, it doesn’t feel like it lasted as much, which is a good thing.

Although, this film bridges the gap between Sinners of the System Case 3 and season 3, you can still see this one if you are not familiar with the franchise. It can be a good starting point for new fans. And for fans, this film is a chapter you don’t want to miss.

CAST

Furthermore, the cast from the previous installments are coming back for this film like they have done for each film and season. It always feels good to hear them voice these characters. Kana Hanazawa delivers a remarkable performance as Akane, she really is the heart of this franchise.

VISUALS

Moreover, PSYCHO-PASS: Providence uses a mix of 2D and 3D. The two styles mostly blend well together, though in a few scenes it looks a bit off. Nevertheless, these are slick visuals with a beautiful color palette. They used 2D for the character designs. While, the vehicules were designed in 3D. The cities in this futuristic version of Japan are absolutely breathtaking. They are made of huge buildings taking inspiration from Blade Runner with the anime vibe.

SOUNDTRACK & CREDITS

Finally, Yugo Kanno returned to compose the score for this one. He had already composed the score for the previous PSYCHO-PASS entries. Once again, he delivers a good score that has an electro-ish and dark vibe, which goes well with the visual atmosphere of the series. The opening theme is ‘Alexithymia Spare’ Ling Tosite Sigure. It is a rock and energetic song. The opening credits feature the different characters of the film. It is a stylish opening with a scifi vibe. As for the end theme, it is Tōjisha (当事者) by Egoist. It is a good J-pop song that concludes this latest chapter of the PSYCHO-PASS franchise. Unlike the opening credits, the end credits are simpler, which is what you often find with films.

VERDICT

PSYCHO-PASS: Providence is a great addition to this popular franchise. This is an enthralling and action-packed film that keeps you entertained all the way through to the end.

PSYCHO-PASS: Providence releases in North America on July 12, in the UK and Ireland on August 2. It will release in other countries outside of Japan this Summer.