Summary
Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure is a charming experience with lovely animation that, at such a short length, deserves a little look.
This review of the Netflix anime Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure season 1 is spoiler-free.
Sometimes a show comes along that is simply unlike any other, and Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure is very much one of them. Following the exploits of the titular Gudetama, a just-hatched and somewhat disinterested egg, and a little chick named Shakipiyo, this ten-episode animation – which gained a full Netflix series on the strength of a second-place competition entry – is worth a look for its originality alone.
An odd-couple adventure is nothing new, of course, but literalizing the whole chicken and egg debate while providing not just charming computer animation but also knowing dialogue and real sentiment feels fresh. Gudetama and Shakipiyo are united by how little they know. Neither is especially sure if they’re even chicken eggs, but they nonetheless believe themselves to be related and set out in search of their mother, through a big, wide world full of other eggs and foodstuffs and many unique dangers.
Gudetama’s impending expiry date is a source of ticking-clock drama as the two adventure through a live-action world. We meet a variety of interesting characters, albeit only briefly, and consider some big questions about life, albeit without really lingering on them. The show’s length is at once its greatest flaw but also a real advantage since it’s so easily digestible in one sitting and doesn’t overstay its welcome. And besides, the plot isn’t really the point anyway.
There are two points, actually. One is the visuals, which have been handled by OLM with help from L’ESPACE FILM, and somehow manage to imbue relatively real-looking computer graphics with all the character and expression of 2D animation. Gudetama and Shakipiyo fit right into the real world they’ve been superimposed onto without losing that magical, transporting charm of animation. Only in very rare instances – usually when the models are being interacted with by live-action characters – can you see the seams.
The other point is the relationship between Gudetama and Shakipiyo and their slapstick charm, both in terms of jokes and physical comedy. The animation actually enhances the characterization in smart ways, but a versatile vocal performance from Shunsuke Takeuchi, who voices 24 characters including Gudetama, is also note-perfect.
Shakipiyo is voiced by Seiran Fukushima, who does an equally good job in a more peppy, vocal role. You’d be surprised at the extent to which this isn’t as annoying as it sounds written down.
There’s just a lot of charm here that’s worth praising, and the top-notch animation shows a degree of care and attentiveness that deserves respect. Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure isn’t going to change your life, but it’s an adorable little adventure worth going on.
You can stream Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure season 1 exclusively on Netflix.
Additional reading:
- Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure ending explained
- Will there be a Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure season 2?
- 10 anime shows like Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure
- The Highest Rated and Best Netflix Series of All Time
