In modern Japan Anzu is a somewhat anti-social (neurodivergent maybe?) teen who is completely content with her life of a happy little family, plenty of video games to play, and plenty of chocolate to eat. Until a “love cupid”/wizard named Riri appears in her life. Riri lives in an alternate universe that is built on dreams and hopes of humans, a world that is fading because, Riri thinks, modern teens don’t seek out romance anymore. So Riri decides to completely upend Anzu’s life, ban her joys, and set her up in a series of increasingly silly romantic tropes to try to force her to fall in love.
This series is brilliant. Hilarious and ridiculous, it still makes a cutting social commentary on the world’s obsession with romance and romantic love. As Anzu tries to resist being forced into a relationship she also grows closer to Riri’s other targets as people, ironically connecting with them on a deeper level.
Through the connections the characters built the show also dissects the nature of sexuality, obsession, and human attachment, not shying away from darker corners “love” can take people. Riri, as whimsical as they appear, is never presented as anything other than blatantly violating human free will.
I found this show very refreshing (even as someone who enjoys romance) and a very fun break down of love obsession and expectations. Some of the events were downright clever, and the mercurial nature of the early episodes delightfully give way to darker, more serious advancements. I highly recommend it.