During a 14-hour flight, I decided to break away from Hollywood's usual fare. After back-to-back viewings of The Pursuit of Happyness and The Founder, I realized way many mainstream films follow the same formulaic patterns. Determined to find something truly unique, I came across Skye Hoshi. The intriguing cover art and description immediately caught my eye, and after watching the trailer, I decided to give it a chance. While I wouldn't describe myself as an anime enthusiast, I approached it with an open mind.
To my delight, Skye Hoshi delivered a refreshingly original story with excellent pacing that held my attention from start to finish. The film had a distinctive charm, occasionally evoking a Scott Pilgrim vs. The World vibe. Skye reminded me of Ramona Flowers, and the bands brought back similar energy. At times, it also called to mind The Secret Lives of Dorks, particularly in how it creatively wove elements of comic book culture into the narrative.
The ending was a pleasant surprise, tying up loose ends and rewarding the audience with clever callbacks and well-placed foreshadowing. The writing was genuinely sharp, with moments of humor that felt natural. The characters had depth, with strong arcs that made them memorable and relatable. Skye, in particular, stood out - sweet, (mostly) innocent, and utterly endearing. I couldn't help but wish for my own "Skye Hoshi" by the end.
Once I returned home, I ended up purchasing the Blu-ray to support this indie studio & rewatch the film at home. The music has since made its way onto my playlists, and I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel. Kudos to the writers and producers for crafting such a standout indie film - I can't wait to see what they come up with next.
