If you just finished the first season of the anime and think you can jump straight into the second season, stop. Seriously. You’re going to be hopelessly lost. I’ve seen so many people try to breeze past the movie because they assume it’s just a "recap" or some non-canonical side quest. It isn't. To watch Made in Abyss Dawn of the Deep Soul is to experience the actual bridge of the story. Without it, the "The Golden City of the Scorching Sun" arc makes about as much sense as a screen door on a submarine.
It’s brutal. It’s beautiful. It’s honestly one of the most traumatizing pieces of media I’ve ever sat through, and I say that as a compliment. Akihito Tsukushi, the series creator, has this weird, almost cruel talent for mixing "moe" character designs with body horror that would make David Cronenberg sweat.
The Bondrewd Problem: Why This Movie Hits Differently
Bondrewd is probably one of the best-written villains in modern fiction, mostly because he doesn't think he’s a villain. He’s the Sovereign of Dawn, a White Whistle who has sacrificed everything—including his own humanity—for the sake of "scientific triumph." When you sit down to watch Made in Abyss Dawn of the Deep Soul, you aren't just watching a fight; you're watching a clash of philosophies. Riko wants to explore the Abyss to find her mother. Bondrewd wants to exploit the Abyss to evolve humanity.
The movie picks up exactly where season one left off. Our trio—Riko, Reg, and Nanachi—reaches the fifth layer, the Sea of Corpses. It’s a frozen wasteland that serves as the final checkpoint before the "point of no return." To go deeper, you need a White Whistle. To get a White Whistle, well... things get dark. Fast.
The animation by Kinema Citrus is a massive step up from the TV series. They spent the budget where it mattered. The fluidity of Reg’s incinerator beams and the sheer scale of Ido Front (Bondrewd’s base) look spectacular on a big screen or a high-end monitor. It feels heavy. Kevin Penkin’s score returns, and honestly, the track "Prushka Sequence" is enough to make a grown adult weep in the middle of a crowded room. It’s that haunting.
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Prushka and the True Cost of the Curse
We have to talk about Prushka. She’s the heart of this movie. As Bondrewd’s adopted daughter, she represents the only shred of light in the grim environment of the fifth layer. Her relationship with Riko is brief but intense. It’s a friendship built on the shared dream of seeing the bottom of the Abyss.
But this is Made in Abyss.
Love in this universe is a currency. It’s something that can be harvested. The movie introduces the concept of "Cartridges," which is perhaps the most disturbing plot point in the entire franchise. I won't spoil the exact mechanics for the uninitiated, but let’s just say it redefines the word "exploitation." Bondrewd’s ability to bypass the "Strains of Ascension" (the curse that hits you when you climb back up) relies on a level of cruelty that is hard to stomach.
I remember the first time I watched it. The theater was dead silent during the third act. You could hear a pin drop. It’s not just gore for the sake of gore; it’s the emotional weight behind it. You’ve spent an hour falling in love with these characters, only to watch the Abyss chew them up and spit them out.
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Where Does This Fit in the Timeline?
If you’re confused about the viewing order, here’s the breakdown. You have the first season (13 episodes). Then you have two recap movies (Journey's Dawn and Wandering Twilight). You can skip those if you’ve seen the show. Then comes the watch Made in Abyss Dawn of the Deep Soul experience. This is the "Season 1.5" or "Movie 3." After this, you move to Season 2.
If you skip the movie, you miss:
- How Riko actually gets her own White Whistle.
- The resolution of Nanachi’s trauma regarding Bondrewd.
- The explanation of Reg’s power limits and new abilities.
- The literal physical transformation of the team as they head into the sixth layer.
It’s about 105 minutes of pure narrative progression. There is zero filler. Every scene serves to either build the world or break your heart. Mostly the latter.
The Technical Mastery of the Fifth Layer
Visually, the fifth layer is a nightmare. It’s a literal sea of bones and stagnant water. The production design captures that claustrophobia perfectly. Unlike the lush greenery of the first layer or the Great Fault's vertigo, the Sea of Corpses feels like a dead end.
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The fight choreography is surprisingly tactical. Reg isn't just punching things; he’s using his environment, his limited energy, and his bond with Nanachi to survive. Bondrewd is an overwhelming force because he isn't just one person—he’s a collective consciousness. The "Sparagmos" beam he fires is a terrifying visual representation of the Abyss’s power.
Handling the Tone: A Warning for the Faint of Heart
Let’s be real for a second. This movie is rated R for a reason. While the art style looks "cute," the content is extremely graphic. It deals with child experimentation, psychological torture, and intense body horror.
However, it never feels like "torture porn." There’s a profound sense of wonder underneath the horror. The Abyss is a character in itself—it’s an indifferent god that rewards those who are willing to give up everything. Riko’s obsession with the hole is almost scary. She’s willing to endure anything to see what’s at the bottom, and the movie makes you wonder if she’s really that different from Bondrewd in the end.
Actionable Steps for the Best Experience
To get the most out of your viewing, don't just stream it on a phone. The sound design is half the experience.
- Check the Platform: Depending on your region, it’s usually on HIDIVE or available for digital purchase on platforms like Amazon or Apple TV.
- Audio is Key: Use a good pair of headphones. Kevin Penkin’s use of organic sounds and synth is vital for the atmosphere.
- Double-Check the Version: Make sure you aren't watching the recap movies by mistake. Look for the title "Dawn of the Deep Soul" specifically.
- Prepare Mentally: Maybe don't watch this right before bed if you have a sensitive stomach or a soft heart for kids/animals. It’s a lot.
- Watch the Credits: There’s a post-credit scene that sets up the beginning of Season 2. Don’t turn it off as soon as the music starts.
Once you finish, you’ll be ready for Season 2, "The Golden City of the Scorching Sun." You'll have a much deeper understanding of what it means to be a "Delver" and the heavy price of curiosity in a world that doesn't care if you live or die. The journey only gets weirder from here, but the fifth layer is where the stakes finally become irreversible. Enjoy the trauma—it’s some of the best storytelling anime has to offer right now.