The visually striking sci-fi adventure Patema Inverted is now streaming on Crunchyroll, complete with an English dub and subtitles. This 2014 film, produced by Studio Rikka, captivated audiences and critics alike, earning both the Audience and Judges Awards at the 2013 Scotland Loves Anime festival. It was also nominated for Best Animated Feature Film at the 7th Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
The film presents a unique dystopian world where gravity is inverted for a portion of the population, forcing them to live underground and cling to the 'ground' above. The story follows Patema, a young woman from this subterranean society who dreams of exploring the world above, and Age, a boy who lives on the surface where people are constantly pulled towards the sky. Their chance encounter defies the laws of their respective worlds, leading to a thrilling adventure to uncover the truth behind their divided reality.
Patema Inverted stands out for its imaginative premise and the breathtaking animation that brings its gravity-defying landscapes to life. The film delves into themes of environmentalism, lost civilizations, and the struggle against oppressive societal structures, all within a compelling narrative of discovery and connection.
While Patema Inverted is a standalone film, it is based on an original manga and has a prequel short, Patema Inverted: Beginning of the Day, which offers a glimpse into the world's backstory. With a solid 7.93 rating on MyAnimeList from over 145,000 voters, the film is a highly recommended watch for fans of inventive science fiction and compelling character-driven stories.
