Movie Review: ‘Scarlet’

by | Feb 5, 2026 | Featured Post, Movie Reviews, Movies | 0 comments


Greetings again from the darkness. William Shakespeare has inspired so many writers and stories over the years that he often goes unacknowledged rather than credited. Such is the case with this latest from writer/director/animator Mamoru Hosoda with character names such as Amulet, Claudius, and Gertrude. Of course, since this is Japanese anime, the story’s path varies and features unusual and colorful characters.

At its core, this is a story of the pursuit of revenge and the lesson of forgiveness … and how neither is simple nor easy. The question becomes can humankind overcome the natural instincts of using violence and war to achieve revenge or some other desired dominant outcome? As we open in the 16th century, something is most definitely rotten in Denmark. King Amulet is shown no brotherly love by Claudius, an act which leaves Amulet’s daughter, Princess Scarlet seeking vengeance. Unfortunately for her, the plan goes sideways and she’s the one that crosses over.

This is a world where life and death coexist and it’s Scarlet who finds herself in the ‘Otherworld’ while Claudius aims to rule the ‘Infinity’ world. Scarlet’s Otherworld knows no time and is filled with those from all eras. As things often go for corrupt leaders, Claudius also finds himself in the Otherworld, where he and Scarlet are destined to meet yet again. Scarlet partners up with a modern-day paramedic named Hijiri, and in times of war with a goal of revenge, it never hurts to have an EMT friend (or maybe something a bit more serious).

The animation here can be stunning at times, especially the crowd scenes. Yet, what I found most admirable about the film was the message – the lesson we hope humans learn before it’s too late. A world without war … one filled with forgiveness … could be quite beautiful.

The film will receive an IMAX release on February 6, 2026 and expand wide on February 13.

David Ferguson
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