‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Infinity Castle’ Review – The Beginning Of The End Is A Blockbuster Event

Synopsis: As the Demon Slayer Corps members and Hashira engaged in a group strength training program, the Hashira Training, in preparation for the forthcoming battle against the demons, Muzan Kibutsuji appears at the Ubuyashiki Mansion. With the head of the Demon Corps in danger, Tanjiro and the Hashira rush to the headquarters but are plunged into a deep descent to a mysterious space by the hands of Muzan Kibutsuji. The destination of where Tanjiro and Demon Slayer Corps have fallen is the demons’ stronghold – the Infinity Castle. And so, the battleground is set as the final battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and the demons ignites.

When things are at their lowest and life seems to be the hardest it’s ever been, it can be easy to lose yourself. It can lead to destructive decisions, susceptibility, and occasionally a dark malevolent force that wants to corrupt you. You can resist; there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. And if there isn’t, become that light for yourself and others. Also, don’t forget your sword.

“I will avenge you if it’s the last thing I do.”

When demons come a-knockin’, they get to choppin’… their heads off. With its attention-grabbing action, endlessly captivating visuals, impassioned storytelling, and mounting anticipation, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle may have just ignited the epic of epics. Directed by Haruo Sotozaki, this first of the three last Demon Slayer movies is a roller coaster of action and emotions. Now, I’m not one to lie or pretend I’m an expert on something I know nothing about. Therefore, let me begin by stating that I am completely new to this IP. That said, after a two-and-a-half-hour odyssey within the hellish extra-dimensional labyrinth that is Muzan Kibutsuji’s Infinity Castle and witnessing the painful past of slayers and demons alike, I am all in. And before you ask, I watched both the English dub and the sub. Regardless of which one you choose, the beginning of the end is a blockbuster event.

Picking up directly where season 4 left off, with a gravely wounded Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the rest of the Demon Slayer Corps is lost inside the Infinity Castle, determined to end the Demon King, Muzan, and the Upper Rank Demons for good. As the Hashira face their toughest battles, their lives are played out in heart-wrenching flashbacks. While Tanjiro is our main protagonist, and the safety of his sister is pivotal, a large portion of this story explores and empathizes with the deadly Upper Rank Three, Akaza. It delves into his troubled yet complicated past and what drove him to become a demon. As it gives focus to each important role, the early stages of this arc revolve around about six characters. In between and during every battle, we are transported to the somber past for context. Whether it is regularly done in the series or only for the film, the abundance of flashbacks does allow anyone watching to decipher this monumental event. However, they do appear intrusive at times.

“Forfeit your humanity, and limitless power will be within reach.”

This dark fantasy is action-packed yet incredibly bleak. It’s somewhat leveled out by the benevolent mission the Slayers are on; however, it’s going to get more grim before we get to the trilogy’s end. The animation is dynamic and endlessly impressive as the Castle morphs, and the attacks are incredibly vibrant and fluid. The action is brutal and exhilarating. The writing is strong and lively. The voice acting is remarkably expressive. And the emotion-driven score is one to remember. With its diabolical antagonists, nightmarish setting, and a seemingly impossible quest, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle is not to be missed. Its rewatchability is high.

Pace & Pop

Despite its intense start and high-velocity action, the film’s pacing is rather leisurely. As it’s not simply telling a story but completing an arc, the manga-based movie is leaving no stone unturned as it weaves past and present together. What really pops are the fight sequences. It looks like the martial art stylings of Avatar: The Last Airbender, combined with the theatrics of a Pokémon attack, turned up ten levels.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kitō, Hiro Shimono, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Reina Ueda, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Takahiro Sakurai, Katsuyuki Konishi, Kengo Kawanishi, Saori Hayami, Kenichi Suzumura, Tomokazu Seki, Kana Hanazawa, Tomokazu Sugita, Mamoru Miyano, Akira Ishida, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Yuichi Nakamura, Lynn English Dub: Zach Aguilar, Abby Trott, Aleks Le, Bryce Papenbrook, Brianna Knickerbocker, Zeno Robinson, Johnny Yong Bosch, Ray Chase, Griffin Burns, Erika Harlacher, Erik Scott Kimerer, Kaiji Tang, Kira Buckland, Crispin Freeman, Stephen Fu, Lucien Dodge, Alejandro Saab, Channing Tatum, Rebecca Wang

Both voice casts are phenomenal. From the desperation and urgency expressed by the heroes to the gleefully maniacal dialogue of the Demons, it’s heart-pounding and skin-crawling. Two performances stand out. Stephen Fu’s performance as Doma in the English dub is like a psychotic lullaby. It’s like Whis meets Hannibal Lector. And then there’s Akira Ishida as Akaza in the traditional version. Not only is he able to express a wide range of emotions, but he also succeeds in eliciting empathy for a villain.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle releases in US theaters on September 12, 2025. Stay safe and stay sane.

Rated: R Runtime: 2h 35m Director: Haruo Sotozaki Original story: Koyoharu Gotoge (JUMP COMICS / SHUEISHA) Screenplay: ufotable Producer: ufotable