Our take
With teenage insomnia rates increasing worldwide, it’s a wonder how a story like this hasn’t been made until now. Insomniacs After School takes a charming approach to this issue– viewing it not as a reason to shame the youth over but just as an unfortunate circumstance that requires support. In this case, it’s heartwarming to see how support comes from the school community. While restarting the astronomy club may not be sound medical advice, it’s clear how valuable the school observatory is as a safe space for Nakami and Magari. It’s uplifting to see the school nurse, alumni, student council, and fellow classmates root for the club and their events. Most of all, it’s comforting to see Nakami and Magari help each other with their insomnia. Their shared comfort and support, along with the backdrop of Japan’s most photographable night skies, make this slow-burn romance anime incredible.
The story
Ganta Nakami is a high school student who suffers from insomnia. He meets Isaki Magari, a girl with the same condition. A relationship forms as they share a secret and catch up on their sleep in their school’s abandoned observatory.
Realizing that the abandoned school observatory is the perfect place to rest, high school insomniacs Nakami Ganta and Magari Isaki restart the school’s astronomy club in order to keep their safe haven.
When the story involves photography, there’s the expectation, of course, to have gorgeous frames. With astrophotography, the show must have stunning views of the night sky. Insomniacs After School definitely delivers, but the anime reveals these scenes at strategic points in the story. The show even makes it a point to showcase some of the best places to photograph the night sky in Japan. Reflected starry skies over water, composite star scenes, fireworks, and lens flares from the light of sunrise are some of the spectacular frames on screen as Nakami and Magari reach new points in their friendship. Seeing these scenes means there’s no choice but to feel the way they feel, in such a visceral way.
Never thought that I'd fall in love, love, love, love…
The details
Who picked it
Isabella Endrinal is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. She's now free from the corporate night shift. Previous articles have been published in outlets such as NANG Magazine. She's currently catching up on some classic films… if she isn't coping with the fact that the Haikyu anime will end soon.
