An original theatrical anime film from the creators of “Your Name.” and “Weathering With You.”
Movie Information
Title: Starfall: Resonance
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Studio: CoMix Wave Films
Release Date: February 20, 2026 (Japan) / March 15, 2026 (Global streaming)
Runtime: 1 hour 48 minutes
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix (select regions)
Genre: Sci‑Fi / Romance / Drama
Synopsis
In a near‑future Japan where communication with space has become possible, high school student Akari stumbles upon a mysterious signal from a long‑lost satellite. The transmission contains fragmented memories of a young astronaut, Ryo, who vanished during a deep‑space mission a decade ago. As Akari pieces together the message, she discovers that Ryo’s consciousness has been preserved in digital form – and that a catastrophic celestial event is about to repeat itself. With time running out, Akari must find a way to bridge the gap between Earth and the stars, and maybe even reunite two souls separated by light‑years.
Main Voice Cast
| Character | Japanese Voice | English Dub |
|---|---|---|
| Akari | Soma Saito | Aleks Le |
| Ryo | Kana Hanazawa | Cherami Leigh |
| Haru | Yuuki Kaji | Robbie Daymond |
| Commander Takeda | Kenjiro Tsuda | Crispin Freeman |
Staff
Director / Screenplay: Makoto Shinkai
Character Design: Masayoshi Tanaka
Music: Radwimps
Animation Producer: Genki Kawamura
Short Review & Verdict
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
What Works: Starfall: Resonance is Shinkai at his most ambitious. The film combines his trademark emotional depth with hard sci‑fi concepts, resulting in a visually breathtaking journey that will linger with you long after the credits roll. The chemistry between Akari and Ryo, despite their physical separation, is handled with genuine tenderness. Radwimps delivers another unforgettable score that elevates every emotional beat.
What Doesn’t: The middle act occasionally gets bogged down in exposition explaining the quantum‑digital mechanics of the plot. A few side characters feel underdeveloped, and the climax may leave some viewers with more questions than answers.
Who Should Watch: Fans of Your Name., Weathering With You, or anyone who loves stories about connection across impossible distances. It’s a must‑see for Makoto Shinkai completists and a great entry point for new viewers.