Hollywood has long attempted to bring Japanese manga to life on the silver screen, yet few adaptations have truly shone like Warner Bros.’ 2014 hit, Edge of Tomorrow. This live-action film drew inspiration from Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s sci-fi light novel, All You Need Is Kill, but didn’t follow its plot to the letter. Instead, it sculpted a more militaristic narrative centered around humanity’s struggle against an alien onslaught.

What set Edge of Tomorrow apart was its ability to capture the novel’s core theme—an imaginative take on resilience against overwhelming odds. This same spirit now breathes life into Warner Bros. Japan and Studio 4°C’s animated adaptation of All You Need Is Kill, directed by Kenichiro Akimoto. Much like its predecessor, this version reimagines key aspects of the original tale, delivering a fresh take on the Groundhog Day-esque time loop. The result is a visually spectacular film that embraces the chaotic thrill of video games, offering a unique cinematic experience.

The new film, akin to the light novel, follows the saga of two unlikely allies ensnared in a time loop after being slain by an alien entity named Darol. This iteration unfolds from the perspective of Rita Vrataski, voiced by Ai Mikami and Stephanie Sheh in the English dub. A young woman in search of meaning at a Darol research facility, Rita becomes embroiled in a deadly game of survival. Though Darol—a massive, flower-like creature—descended from space, its true nature remains a mystery until it reveals its monstrous inhabitants, threatening to consume anything in their path. Rita soon learns firsthand about these dangers when Darol finally blossoms.

Even with advanced exoskeleton power armor, Rita finds herself outmatched when Darol releases its lethal offspring. However, after killing a smaller creature and subsequently dying, she awakens to discover she’s been cast back in time to the same day, with no one else aware of the impending doom.

The film’s opening sequences draw viewers into a stunning yet grisly Groundhog Day-style narrative. Each day, Rita wakes up and grapples with the challenge of changing her destiny before the alien spawn claim her again. The sheer absurdity of her situation discourages her from seeking help, leaving her to face the inevitability of death alone. But when she encounters Keiji, played by Natsuki Hanae and Jadon Muniz, a fellow time-loop victim, they join forces. Together, they approach each day as an opportunity to study Darol and hone their combat skills.

Unlike Edge of Tomorrow, which subtly hinted at its video game-like structure, this new adaptation openly embraces the “roguelike” nature of Rita and Keiji’s plight. Each loop sees them evolve into a more formidable alien-fighting duo, realizing that upgrading their arsenal is crucial for survival. Yet, the relentless cycle of death and rebirth takes a toll on their spirits, leaving them to question whether their progress is ultimately futile.

Aside from its focus on a female protagonist, the biggest difference between this All You Need Is Kill and previous adaptations is a wholly new art direction spearheaded by Tomotaka Kubo (Promare, Mary and the Witch’s Flower). Kubo and character designer Izumi Murakami present this world as a lush wonderland awash in vibrant colors that becomes even more strangely gorgeous whenever Darol’s menacing drones are on screen. The original All You Need Is Kill and Edge of Tomorrow’s power suits were hulking behemoths that seemed ill suited for battle with skittering aliens. But here, mechanical designer Junji Okubo (Star Wars: Visions’ “Lop & Ochō”) reimagines them as sleek extensions of their pilots that almost seem organic.

Those visual changes give this iteration of All You Need Is Kill a distinct personality and make its action sequences a dazzling feast for the eyes. Even if you’re familiar with All You Need Is Kill, the new adaptation is worth seeing if only to appreciate how each telling of this story has its own unique energy. And if this is your first time encountering Sakurazaka’s work, you’re in for a wild ride.

All You Need Is Kill is now in theaters.