For fans of the franchise, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle delivers the dramatic culmination of years of storytelling. Picking up immediately after the Season 4 cliffhanger, the film launches straight into the action with a seamless transition from the series. Rather than feeling like a standalone movie, it plays more like an extended and beautifully crafted (beginning of the) final arc brought to the big screen.
From the outset, the intensity is unmistakable. The Demon Slayer Corps’ invasion of Muzan Kibutsuji’s (also known as Muzan Jackson) lair, the eerie and ever-shifting Infinity Castle, sets the stage for an all-or-nothing confrontation. The danger is constant, the consequences are irreversible, and the emotional stakes have never been higher. This is the endgame, and it feels like it.
By this point in the story, the characters are well-developed, which allows the film to explore several storylines simultaneously without losing emotional depth. Whether it’s Tanjiro’s quest to confront Muzan, Zenitsu’s personal growth, or the Hashira’s desperate battles, each storyline carries the necessary dramatic weight. In addition, Akaza serves as the undoubted highlight of the story. Marking his return since the critically and commercially successful Mugen Train, the antagonist virtually steals every scenes that he’s in.
Visually, Infinity Castle is in a league of its own. Ufotable once again proves why it’s at the top of the anime industry. The castle’s surreal, labyrinthine design is captivating, and the combat sequences are choreographed with extraordinary care and fluidity. From elemental sword techniques to emotionally charged duels, every moment looks and feels like a labor of love. The animation, lighting, and effects combine into a spectacle worthy of the big screen.
However, the film’s length does present some issues. At over two and a half hours, the story begins to feel stretched. The frequent use of flashbacks, while emotionally effective in moderation, sometimes interrupts the momentum. These scenes can repeat character motivations the audience already knows, slowing down the narrative during otherwise intense moments.
With so many characters and ongoing conflicts to juggle, the film occasionally feels crowded. Some side characters and subplots, introduced with strong setups, don’t get enough time to fully develop or conclude in a satisfying way. A final season might have allowed the story more room to breathe and offered a more balanced pacing across its many threads.
Despite its few drawbacks, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle is a powerful, visually spectacular start to the final chapter of Demon Slayer’s story. It delivers emotional payoffs, exhilarating battles, and a stunning visual language that fans will appreciate. Though the runtime and structure may test some viewers’ patience, the film’s highs are more than worth the ride.
