Scavengers Reign (2023)★ 8.9/10

The use of non-linear narrative pacing is exceptional, especially in the montage transitions between memories and mind-control scenes. It manages to convey a vast amount of information in just a few scenes while keeping the audience engaged. The fantastical setting and meticulous attention to detail bring the entire alien planet's ecology to life, fostering a connection between the viewers and this foreign environment.

A territory untouched by humans, where smaller beings reintegrate into the jungle of Darwinism as alien species and parasites. A place where memories are revisited and diluted in chaos and the solitude of isolation, only to reemerge as the last vestiges of wealth. These memories are harnessed to resist the invasion and assimilation of the laws of nature in an awe-inspiring feast for the eyes. The film's world-building capabilities evoke memories of Made in Abyss, with its breathtaking spectacle, intricate aesthetics, and exquisite elegance. The film highlights the mystery of the wilderness. By blending Eastern and Western influences, it exudes a form of naturalism that is both simple and exotic. Its style gives Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind a run for its money, making it an absolute masterpiece of the year.

I was completely blown away! This animated series is a godsend for biology students! Among all the shows and movies I've watched, this one truly excels at blending science fiction with biology. It delves into the lives of carbon-based creatures on a strange planet, portraying their coexistence in a remarkably natural and compelling manner. The sci-fi elements in "Avatar" pale in comparison to the depth and complexity presented here.

I thought it would be this grand, epic origin story, but it circles back to the timeless dilemma: survival or nothing. The world seems like some grand experiment by the Creator, with people reacting in various ways: the vulnerable succumb, becoming mindless zombies trapped by their past; the courageous knights press forward, facing every obstacle head-on, even if it means a solitary journey at the end; the compassionate wanderer finds an unlikely companion in their robot sidekick; and the pragmatic survivors prioritize self-preservation, only allowing emotions to surface when they hit rock bottom.

Creativity is definitely the strongest suit of the series, something rarely seen in recent sci-fi works. An entire alien ecosystem is immediately presented to the audience through the showcase of a plethora of mysterious life forms. The latter part of the animation continues to retelentlessly expand on the ecosystem, while also taking care of story progression. Several storylines are distinguished by a tasteful use of the three primary colors.

It's a culminative work amongst the sci-fi planet exploration genre, drawing inspirations from numerous classic sci-fi films. What started as an imaginative short has evolved into a fully structured and thought-provoking sci-fi series. It portrays a journey from simple interstellar escapades to exploring the inner universe, from individual survival crises to the conflicts within human society. Great sci-fi works always serve as the best metaphors for the current human society. Considering the costs and technological constraints of live-action movies, animation remains the best choice for showcasing imagination and creativity. I can't wait for the next season to be released.

The conceptual designs remind me of "Made in Abyss" - it's primal and exotic, with stunning locales, unique aesthetics, an overall sense of exquisite beauty and loneliness, and the mystery of an uncharted land. It's definitely one of the best series of the year. The music is so good that I will be surprised if they don't win any rewards for it. When I watched the original short film, I imagined how hard it must be for the person to pitch the idea to investors who might not possess the same level of imagination, because text itself is no way near as impactful as when you are presented with the visuals and music.

It’s a planet survival horror story and a giant showcase of extraterrestrial creature designs. This wildly imaginative, hardcore adult sci-fi animation has a bizarre, mysterious, and primitive ecosystem, challenging common sense and disregarding logic and rationality. It discusses from both macro and micro angles the forms in which life exists, while delving into human greed and weaknesses and reflecting on the relationship between humanity and nature. The piano score at the beginning presents a sense of tranquility and solitude and the menace of an unknown danger lurking within the lush flora and fauna. However, the amount of useful information in terms of plot progression provided in the first season is quite limited, the primary goal seems to be showcasing the author's extremely creative ideas. I’m expecting more than just pretty visuals in the next season.

The best animation of the year. Hands down.

There are no advanced intelligent life forms on this planet. What we witness is neither plundering nor saving, but slaughter and the most primitive urge to explore nature. The alien environment and creature designs are so meticulous that I just wanna capture every frame to study them in detail.

How was this world imagined and created? Mushrooms, ayahuasca, AI training? Both the macro and micro worlds are fully displayed, and the confusing temperament stands out.

La fascinación por lo desconocido en su punto más alto, gran acercamiento del género weird a la pantalla