Made in Abyss: Journey's Dawn

Made in Abyss: Journey's Dawn was produced by Kinema Citrus as the first of two compilation films designed to recap the events of the 2017 television anime adaptation. The project was conceived to introduce newcomers to the dark, high-fantasy world of the Abyss while providing a cinematic experience for existing fans ahead of the sequel film, Dawn of the Deep Soul. The production team focused on re-editing the original series' footage to heighten the sense of scale and dread inherent in the setting, utilizing the expanded format to emphasize the haunting sound design and the intricate, hand-painted backgrounds that define the series' aesthetic.

The film was directed by Masayuki Kojima, who sought to maintain the poignant and unsettling atmosphere of Akihito Tsukushi’s original manga. Upon its release in 2019, the compilation was well-received for its ability to condense the complex narrative and emotional stakes of the series' first season into a cohesive feature-length format. It was praised by critics for preserving the stark contrast between the vibrant, whimsical exploration of the upper layers and the increasingly grim, existential threats encountered by the protagonists, Riko and Reg, as they descend into the depths.