Directed and written by Mamoru Hosoda, the renowned Japanese filmmaker behind Mirai, Wolf Children: Ame and Yuki, and The Boy and the Beast, Scarlet and Eternity is a new animated film blending drama and . It is set to hit French theaters on March 11, 2026. Produced by Studio Chizu, the film was showcased out of competition at the Venice Film Festival 2025. The original voice cast features Mana Ashida, Masaki Okada, and Masachika Ichimura.
The story follows Scarlet, a medieval princess trained in swordsmanship. After her father's murder, she embarks on a quest for vengeance that leads her into a fierce confrontation with the perpetrator. Wounded gravely in the battle, the young warrior finds herself transported to a mysterious realm: the Land of the Dead, a place where the boundaries between worlds seem to blur.
In this unexpected universe, Scarlet meets a young man from our time. Her encounter with this idealistic character gradually shifts her perspective on the world. As she prepares to return and face her father's murderer, the princess begins to realize that her true battle might lie elsewhere: breaking the cycle of hatred and forging a new path to give her life meaning.
The project stems from a reflection initiated by Mamoru Hosoda following the COVID-19 pandemic. The filmmaker states that he aimed to explore the tensions and divisions of today's world through a story centered on revenge and reconciliation. To shape his narrative, he drew inspiration from themes found in Hamlet by Shakespeare, with its tragic cycle of vengeance underpinning the plot and the interactions between the characters.
This influence is also reflected in the visual design of the protagonists. Scarlet, inspired by Hamlet, wears dark armor and has a striking presence characterized by somber tones. In contrast, Hijiri, evoking Shakespeare's Ophelia, embodies a different sensitivity, allowing the film to portray two contrasting worldviews and emotional journeys.
From a technical standpoint, Scarlet and Eternity also marks a step forward for Studio Chizu’s animation style. The film features more 3D animation than the director’s previous works, such as Hello, World or Mirai, while still maintaining a handcrafted feel in the drawing and textures. This blend of digital tools and traditional artistry aims to enhance character expression and amplify the grandeur of the fantastical scenes, including a symbolic dragon deliberately left open to viewer interpretation.
Blending elements of a coming-of-age story, fantastical adventure, and personal drama, the film continues to explore themes dear to the director: the connections between different worlds, family bonds, and the hope of turning pain into a path of healing. Its rich visual and narrative universe is designed to appeal to a broad audience — from animation enthusiasts to viewers drawn to stories of self-discovery that combine action with introspection.
Scarlet and Eternity
Film | 2026
Release in theaters: March 11, 2026
Animation, drama | Runtime: 1h52
Directed by Mamoru Hosoda | Featuring Mana Ashida, Masaki Okada, Masachika Ichimura
Original title: Hateshinaki Sukāretto
Country: Japan
With his latest feature film, Mamoru Hosoda continues to delve into stories blending fantasy with raw human emotion, following a heroine faced with the weight of vengeance and the hope of forging a different future. Drawing on literary influences and technological advances in animation, Scarlet and Eternity cements his status as a leading figure in contemporary Japanese cinema.
To continue the in-theater experience, check out the March movie releases, the must-see films currently playing, and our selection of the best animated movies of the year.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
