Chainsaw Man – The Film: Reze's story from October 23rd in cinemas.

22 September 2025

When Studio MAPPA announced it would be bringing Chainsaw Man's Reze arc directly to theaters, skipping a traditional second season, many raised eyebrows. Yet, after seeing the film released in Japanese theaters on September 19, 2025, and having a taste of what awaits us with the Italian release on October 23, I can say that this decision proved to be a perfect fit.

The story picks up where Denji left off: he's become Chainsaw Man, has the heart of the demon Pochita beating in his chest, and has joined the Fourth Special Division of the Devil Hunters. After a date with Makima, the girl of his dreams, he seeks shelter from the rain and meets Reze, a girl who works in a bar. It seems like the beginning of any ordinary teenage love story, but those familiar with Tatsuki Fujimoto's manga know that in this universe, nothing is ever what it seems.

The bombshell girl who made fans' hearts explode

Reze is a fascinating human-devil hybrid operating under the aegis of the Soviet Union on a mission to hunt down Chainsaw Man, harnessing the powers of the Bomb Devil. What makes this character so compelling isn't just his explosive powers—literally—but the way he embodies everything Chainsaw Man does best: blending brutal violence with moments of devastating tenderness.

The relationship between Denji and Reze is probably one of the most complex in the entire manga. On the surface, a sweet student working in a cafeteria, but in practice a ruthless Soviet assassin, a hybrid just like Denji. It's this duality that makes the Reze Arc so perfect for a film adaptation. It's not just about spectacular fights—although there will be plenty of those—but a story that explores themes of deception, young love, and the difficulty of trusting when your very existence is a battlefield.

MAPPA demonstrated its ability to perfectly balance these elements in the first season. The fluid and dynamic animation of the fights alternates with moments of everyday quiet that strike right to the heart. With Reze, this contrast is taken to the extreme: in a brutal war between demons, Devil Hunters, and dark forces, Denji will have to face his most dangerous battle yet, not only for his survival, but also for his heart.

The courage to bet on the big screen

The decision to make a movie instead of a traditional second season wasn't a coincidence. "From a commercial standpoint, we want as many people as possible to enjoy the Reze Arc. When we made this assessment, we aimed to maximize our business. It had to go to the theaters," said MAPPA president Manabu Ohtsuka. And honestly, he's right.

The Reze Arc has a pacing and narrative structure that lend themselves perfectly to the cinematic format. It's a relatively small but incredibly intense arc, with a beginning, middle, and end that work beautifully as a self-contained story. Furthermore, the film promises to capture the nuanced characters and narrative dynamics that made this arc so memorable, while also featuring the most iconic action sequences.

The recently released Italian trailer has already sent fans wild. MAPPA's animations seem to have taken a further leap in quality, with a cinematic budget evident in every frame. The fights promise to be even more visceral and spectacular than those seen in the first season, while the more intimate moments between Denji and Reze have a visual delicacy that hints at truly memorable sequences.

A bridge to the future

This film isn't a true second season, but rather a direct continuation of the plot, expanding on the characters and deepening the dynamic between Denji and Reze. It's an interesting approach that allows MAPPA to take the time to tell this story in the best possible way, without the pressure of filling twelve episodes.

The choice to direct with Tatsuya Yoshihara is a perfect one. Yoshihara has proven his ability to handle complex stories and multifaceted characters in the past, and his style should fit perfectly with Chainsaw Man's already established aesthetic.

What strikes me most about this project is how it represents a gamble on audience trust. MAPPA could have played it safe and released a standardized second season. Instead, they chose to invest in a more ambitious project, banking on fans appreciating the superior quality of the cinematic format.

The wait is worth it

Sony Pictures has acquired worldwide distribution rights, with an international release set to reach over 80 countries, demonstrating the project's global significance. It's not just a film for anime fans, but also a work that aims to captivate those who have never heard of Chainsaw Man.

The Italian release is scheduled for October 23rd, and I honestly can't wait. After years of anime adaptations that often disappoint, Chainsaw Man has proven capable of staying true to the original manga's crazy energy and emotional intensity. With the Reze Arc, MAPPA has the opportunity to prove that Japanese animation can still surprise and innovate.

A special encounter that touched Denji deeply... is it possible that besides Miss Makima, there's someone else capable of stirring his heart to such a degree? We'll find out the answer soon, and something tells me it will be absolutely worth it. This film could very well be remembered as one of the best anime adaptations of recent years. And considering the quality of the competition, that's no small feat.