At first glance the title This Monster Wants to Eat Me might easily lead one to believe its a dark anime filled with horror and the bizarre. However upon truly immersing oneself in it one discovers that beneath that seemingly terrifying exterior lies a gentle story of mutual redemption between two lonely souls. 300https://64.media.tumblr.com/a9391f793867826d2bbfa14c544b3b00/ef30b7c8bd480ca0fe/s1280x1920/a3406aad2e34d48d228f0b19f18ce35155fa1aeb.jpg 300https://64.media.tumblr.com/98553c4b65450ceeab0bf3f98218b31b/81d35daba23fdb53de/s1280x1920/97f0c96140c717e64c5993d44107d3ec4929df72.jpg The nonhuman girls covetousness of the protagonist is never about physical devouring but rather a spiritual connection. She carries the innate mark of a predator yet willingly sheathes her fangs becoming the most reliable shield for the protagonist. When the protagonist is mired in depression due to past trauma and contemplates suicide it is this nonhuman girl who want to eat her who with her clumsy yet unwavering protection gradually pries open her tightly closed heart. Their bond begins with a misplaced test but through daily companionship they become each others light. 400https://64.media.tumblr.com/8f3261bdcf365b5e75fab8443266a44b/81d35daba23fdb535e/s1280x1920/0887daacd3ebaa66d803bcfd6d275b4f80ec7765.jpg The atmosphere created in this anime is absolutely stunning. The ethereal yet slightly eerie soundtrack paired with the interplay of light and shadow in the coastal city scenesclear blue skies during the day and a deep dark feel in the deep seaperfectly reflects the glimmer of light and the lingering gloom in Hinatas heart. Of course its not without its flaws. For example some scenes have overly heavy color grading noticeable splicing and some have complained about the slow pacing. But for viewers who appreciate subtle emotions these minor imperfections are negligible. It never forces a dose of healing platitudes instead it honestly lays bare the weight of trauma making you understand that redemption is never easy but rather a gradual journey towards the light through shared bonds. Ultimately This Monster Wants to Eat Me isnt a grotesque story about monsters and humans its about how to coexist with inner pain. Hinako learns to live well again while waiting to be eaten Shiori gradually becomes gentler under the guise of protecting the food and Miko slowly learns to let go through her obsessive companionship. These three imperfect individuals come together and prove through their bond that even if trauma cant be completely erased as long as someone is willing to face the darkness with you even if that companionship initially seems like an absurd predatorprey pact hope can bloom in despair. 300https://64.media.tumblr.com/7d1ab6bff5299b2a8f0bfb456a314df1/81d35daba23fdb530c/s1280x1920/089934a02b4b4b9fae4c935fa051f6ae86c582c1.jpg