BEASTARS is a show about being a predator in a world built by prey, and it never once loses sight of that tension. Based on the manga of the same name by Paru Itagaki, the Netflix series follows Haru, a young jackrabbit, as he tries to find his place in the carnivorous city of Lion King. The result is a coming-of-age story that also asks difficult questions about violence, identity, and the nature of social order. It earns its reputation as one of the most thoughtful animated series of recent years.
Trailer, via Netflix Anime.
Haru and His Pack
Haru is a slow runner, a joke among his fellow rabbits, and he knows it. He joins the school’s theater club to avoid the bullies who torment him, but even there he feels out of place. His best friend, Legoshi, is a wolf, and their bond is central to the whole series. Legoshi is a gentle giant, a former gangster who now works at a flower shop, and his quiet strength anchors every episode.
The show spends its early hours establishing the pack dynamic. Haru’s sister, Yashima, is a fierce protector, and her relationship with her brother shapes how the other characters see him. The series is careful about how it handles these dynamics, showing the warmth of family alongside the sharp edges of loyalty.
The City of Lion King
Lion King is a city where predators and prey live side by side, but the peace is fragile. The city has strict laws against violence, and anyone caught breaking them faces severe consequences. This creates a constant tension between what animals want to do and what they are allowed to do. The show uses this setup to explore themes of control, freedom, and the hypocrisy of social norms.
The city’s architecture is dense and layered, with winding streets and towering buildings. The animation captures the scale of the place, making it feel lived-in and real. The color palette shifts depending on the neighborhood, from the bright greens of the parks to the cold grays of the corporate districts.
The Case of Tem
The main plot thread revolves around the death of Tem, a young lion. Haru finds Tem’s body in the forest, and the investigation that follows pulls everyone into a web of secrets. The case forces Haru to confront his own cowardice and his desire to protect those he loves. It also brings the pack closer together, testing the bonds they have built.
“I’m not a rabbit anymore.”
That line, spoken by Haru late in the series, sums up the show’s central theme. Haru stops seeing himself as a passive victim and starts acting like someone capable of change.
Violence and Its Cost
BEASTARS does not shy away from the brutality of its world. There are scenes of violence that are graphic and unsettling, and the show does not try to make them palatable. It shows the cost of living in a society that punishes aggression while allowing the powerful to abuse others with impunity.
The series also explores the psychological toll of living with fear. Haru carries the weight of his own weakness, and the show does not let him off easy. His journey is about learning to face his fears rather than hiding from them.
Music and Animation
The music is a strong complement to the visuals. The soundtrack is sparse but effective, using piano and strings to create a melancholic atmosphere. The opening song, “Hana,” sets the tone immediately, blending hope with sadness.
The animation is fluid and expressive, with character designs that are both cute and realistic. The show uses close-ups and wide shots to convey emotion, and the pacing is deliberate, giving each scene room to breathe.
| Episode | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Wolf and the Rabbit |
| 2 | The Forest of Secrets |
| 3 | The Case of Tem |
| 4 | The Pack’s Truth |
| 5 | The Final Night |
The Cast and Their Performances
The voice cast is excellent, bringing depth to characters that could have been stereotypes. Kaito Ishikawa voices Haru with a mix of vulnerability and determination, while Kengo Kawanishi gives Legoshi a warm, grounded presence. The supporting cast, including Yui Horie as Yashima and Hiroshi Ito as the detective Nakamura, round out the ensemble with solid performances.
Where It Falls Short
The pacing can drag in the middle episodes, and some subplots feel underdeveloped. The show also relies heavily on exposition, sometimes explaining things that would be better left unsaid. These are minor complaints, though, and they do not detract from the overall quality of the series.
A Difficult Watch
BEASTARS is not an easy show to watch. It deals with heavy subjects, and it does not offer simple answers. The final season pushes the stakes higher, forcing viewers to sit with uncomfortable truths about power, justice, and the cost of belonging.
The ending is open-ended, leaving room for reflection. It does not resolve everything neatly, which feels fitting for a story about identity and growth.
Final Score
BEASTARS is a masterclass in storytelling. It takes familiar ideas and turns them into something profound, using a simple premise to ask complex questions about who we are and how we treat each other. The animation is beautiful, the performances are strong, and the writing is sharp.
It is a show that rewards patience and thought, and it leaves a lasting impression. It is one of the best animated series of recent years.
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