Alternative title(s): Tasogare Out Focus
Manga Adaptation by Studio Deen
Streaming on Crunchyroll

Premise

Mao Tsuchiya, a member of his high school’s film club, and Hisashi Ootomo, an introverted classmate, are reluctant roommates. However, when the film club wants to cast Hisashi as the lead for their upcoming boys’ love-themed movie, Hisashi surprisingly agrees, and the two find themselves drawing closer. The only problem is that while both are attracted to men, Hisashi already has a boyfriend, and both have promised to keep their relationship purely platonic.

Artemis’ verdict: One for the Given Fans

I’m always a bit wary going into anime that’s explicitly labeled BL – not because I don’t like the genre, but because there are almost always massively problematic tropes that make their way into whatever franchises end up getting greenlit for anime adaptations. While Twilight Out of Focus had maybe one scene I had to side-eye a bit, I was pleasantly surprised by how much episode 1 did right – and perhaps even more to the point, how much this anime could appeal to fans of anime relationship dramas in general. Will it be another Given? Probably not, but this one’s well worth checking out if you’re after something that features unapologetically gay male leads who seem to genuinely care for each other’s well-being (while of course dealing with all the usual life stuff you’d expect from fairly realistic-seeming high school teenagers). I also personally quite liked the artwork, whose style is very distinct and likewise has a touch more realism to it than the usual romantic dramas, even if it’s still highly stylized. I’d go so far as to say that this is the best Studio Deen has looked in some time.

Jel’s verdict: So Close

While I thought it was hilarious to have a scene where a character slaps a chalk board that literally says “BL” on it, I think this episode was a little too self aware. It leads to very contrived plot points that clash with the more natural feeling characters and relationships. I think the tension between the two main characters would have been fine, maybe even better, without their videotaped promise or the BL-themed school play to spur them on.

Add in one very uncomfortable flashback and I am concerned Twilight Out of Focus may torpedo its good parts with the not so good parts. Nevertheless, I did like the characters and I appreciated the funny moments mixed in with the drama. There is probably enough here to appeal to people outside of BL fans, and I might give it another episode.