Spoilers always fall asleep during school.

For me, the only way to review a live manga adaptations is to try to forget the animation and just watch it as its own world. This is particularly easy when I haven’t seen the source material. In this particular feature, we’re firmly set in the real world so this should be easier to watch. The fact that this one is mostly a slice of life anime also dictates its slow pace, but there’s drama ahead.

Insomniacs After School (2023) is directed by Chihiro Ikeda. The original manga was written by Makoto Ojiro. Ganta Nakami (Daiken Okudaira) suffers from chronic insomnia. He is sent to get something from the observatory at the top of the school. He runs into Isaki Magari (Nana Mori) who suffers from the same problem and uses the observatory as her hiding place. The high schoolers end up bonding and sharing the observatory until a teacher finds them out. Fortunately, instead of reporting them she suggests they form an astronomy club.

This is more of a contemplative movie. You can probably guess where the story goes. The young actors are adorable and no doubt carry the movie as you truly believe their innocence and awkwardness. The cinematography and the locations are rather beautiful. The drama when it comes, is not overdone and doesn’t go into melodramatic tropes. Then again, it’s a high school first love so unlike other mainstream romances on film this one is age appropriate.

Recommended for an audience looking for a slice-of-life in real life with reservations. Notice this is not a slow burn, just more of a rather slow paced drama. You’ll need to be in a relaxed mood to dedicate your full attention. Worth a watch, but hopefully you can choose the time when you do.

That will do for now.