Made in Abyss: A Haunting Descent into Beautiful Darkness
Table of Contents
Made in Abyss Story
In a world dominated by a massive, mysterious pit known as the Abyss, young orphans train to become “Cave Raiders” who venture into its depths in search of relics and answers. Riko, a spirited 12-year-old girl living at an orphanage on the edge of this chasm, dreams of following in her legendary mother’s footsteps to become a White Whistle – the highest rank of Cave Raider. Her life changes forever when she discovers Reg, a robotic boy with no memories, and soon after receives a message that appears to be from her long-lost mother, beckoning from the deepest level of the Abyss.
Against all warnings, Riko and Reg embark on what might be a one-way journey into the Abyss – a mesmerizing vertical realm where fantastic creatures dwell, otherworldly relics await discovery, and a mysterious force known as the “Curse of the Abyss” inflicts increasingly severe effects on those who try to ascend. As they descend layer by layer, the breathtaking beauty they encounter is matched only by escalating dangers and darkness that will test their resolve, friendship, and humanity.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Adventure, Mystery, Fantasy, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| Episodes | 13 (Season 1) + 3 Movies/OVAs + 12 (Season 2) |
| Episode Duration | ~25 minutes |
| Age Rating | R – 17+ (Violence, disturbing content) |
| Production | Kinema Citrus (2017-present) |
| Source Material | Manga by Akihito Tsukushi |
| Available On | Amazon Prime, HIDIVE |
Content Advisory Tags (CAT)
Violence: High – Contains graphic injuries, body horror, blood, and animal/creature violence. Some scenes depict trauma to child characters that may be especially disturbing.
Language: Low – Occasional mild profanity, mostly in moments of extreme stress or danger.
Sexual Content: Low – No explicit sexual content, though there are a few brief scenes of non-sexual nudity in medical or practical contexts.
Sensitive Topics: The series includes child endangerment, body horror, psychological trauma, experimentation on sentient beings, existential dread, and graphic medical procedures. Some scenes may trigger viewers with medical trauma or fear of confined spaces.
Deep Insight
Made in Abyss is a profound meditation on curiosity as both humanity’s greatest virtue and most dangerous compulsion. The Abyss itself stands as a powerful metaphor for the human condition—beautiful yet terrible, alluring yet unforgiving. As the characters descend physically deeper, they simultaneously journey into philosophical questions about what makes us human, the price of knowledge, and the meaning of love in the face of suffering. The juxtaposition of childlike innocence against cosmic horror creates a dissonance that forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths: that beauty and brutality often exist side by side, and that growth requires sacrifice. Like the relics retrieved from the depths, the anime’s wisdom comes at a cost—disturbing yet undeniably valuable.
Points of Excellence
Breathtaking Worldbuilding
The Abyss isn’t merely a setting but a character in its own right—meticulously crafted with distinct layers, each with unique ecosystems, dangers, and visual aesthetics. The vertical world design creates a sense of genuine discovery as viewers descend alongside the protagonists. The mysterious rules governing this world feel consistent and purposeful, making the environment both believable and alien.
Deceptive Visual Style
Made in Abyss employs a deliberate visual dissonance—cute, almost Ghibli-like character designs and vibrant, lush environments contrast sharply with the brutality and psychological horror that unfolds. This juxtaposition enhances the emotional impact of darker moments and creates a unique atmosphere where danger feels omnipresent even in scenes of beauty.
Hauntingly Beautiful Soundtrack
Kevin Penkin’s orchestral score elevates every moment with ethereal vocals, primitive instruments, and symphonic arrangements that capture both wonder and dread. The music doesn’t merely accompany scenes but actively shapes the emotional landscape, from the innocent curiosity of the surface to the terrifying mysteries of the deep layers.
Unflinching Narrative Commitment
The series never compromises its vision by offering easy escapes or convenient plot devices. It fully commits to the logical consequences of its premise, forcing characters to face genuinely traumatic situations without plot armor. This commitment to storytelling integrity gives weight to every decision and creates genuine tension throughout.
Complex Character Growth
The character development unfolds naturally through hardship rather than exposition. As Riko and Reg descend, we witness their evolution through actions and choices rather than being told how they’ve changed. Supporting characters possess depth and moral ambiguity that defy simple categorization, challenging viewers to reconsider their initial judgments.
Negative Aspects
Potentially Disturbing Content
The anime contains scenes of body horror, graphic injury, and psychological suffering involving child characters that can be genuinely disturbing. While these elements serve the narrative themes, they may cross comfort boundaries for some viewers, especially those expecting a more conventional adventure story based on the art style.
Uneven Pacing
The early episodes spend considerable time on world-building and setup, which might feel slow to viewers seeking immediate action. Conversely, some later developments and revelations occur rapidly, occasionally sacrificing emotional processing time for narrative momentum.
Incomplete Story
As an adaptation of an ongoing manga, the anime doesn’t provide complete resolution to major plot threads, leaving many mysteries unsolved. Viewers seeking full narrative closure will need to continue with subsequent seasons or turn to the source material.
Recommended For
Made in Abyss is perfect for:
- Viewers who appreciate psychological depth and philosophical themes in their fantasy adventures
- Fans of detailed world-building who enjoy piecing together mysteries and lore
- Those who can appreciate beauty in darkness and aren’t deterred by emotional challenges
- Audiences seeking unconventional storytelling that breaks genre expectations
- Animation enthusiasts who value visual craftsmanship and atmospheric soundtracks
This anime is not recommended for:
- Sensitive viewers who find body horror or child suffering distressing
- Those seeking light entertainment or straightforward hero journeys
- Viewers who prefer complete stories rather than ongoing narratives
Final Rating
8.9/10 – Made in Abyss earns this exceptional score by masterfully blending breathtaking artistry with psychological depth and narrative courage. Few anime dare to venture into such challenging emotional territory while maintaining such exquisite aesthetics. Its willingness to explore uncomfortable themes through a lens of childlike wonder creates a uniquely powerful viewing experience that remains with you long after watching. Despite its occasional pacing issues and potentially alienating content, it stands as a landmark achievement in animated storytelling that rewards those brave enough to make the descent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Made in Abyss appropriate for children?
No. Despite its colorful animation style and young protagonists, Made in Abyss contains graphic violence, body horror, and psychological trauma that make it unsuitable for children. The R-17+ rating is appropriate.
Do I need to watch the movies after Season 1?
Yes, particularly “Dawn of the Deep Soul,” which is a direct continuation of the story and essential for understanding Season 2. The compilation movies “Journey’s Beginning” and “Wandering Twilight” largely cover Season 1 content with some additional scenes.
Does the anime follow the manga closely?
Yes, the anime is quite faithful to the source material in both content and tone. The adaptation maintains the manga’s atmosphere while enhancing the experience through animation and sound.
Is the psychological horror element overblown by fans?
No. While early episodes establish a sense of adventure and wonder, the series progressively introduces genuinely disturbing content that can be shocking. The contrast between the cute aesthetic and dark substance is intentional and significant to the thematic core.
How complete is the story in the anime so far?
The anime currently covers approximately half of the existing manga material. The story is ongoing both in the anime and source manga, with major mysteries still unresolved.
