ATRI: My Dear Moments

ATRI -My Dear Moments-

Characters

Atri

MAIN

Natsuki Ikaruga

MAIN

Minamo Kamishiro

SUPPORTING

Ryuuji Nojima

SUPPORTING

Catherine

SUPPORTING

Ririka Nanami

SUPPORTING

ATRI: My Dear Moments Season 1 – A Poignant Blend of Sci-Fi, Romance, and Resilience

ATRI: My Dear Moments Season 1, a 2024 anime adaptation of the 2020 visual novel by Frontwing and Makura, is a captivating exploration of human connection, artificial intelligence, and resilience in a post-apocalyptic world. Set in a near-future where rising sea levels have submerged much of human civilization, this 13-episode series produced by Troyca Studios weaves a heartfelt narrative that balances emotional depth, philosophical inquiry, and a vibrant summer aesthetic. While not without its flaws, ATRI stands out as a unique and emotionally resonant addition to the Summer 2024 anime lineup, offering a story that lingers long after the credits roll.

A Waterlogged World with a Spark of Hope

The story follows Natsuki Ikaruga, a young man who returns to his flooded hometown after losing his mother and leg in a tragic accident. Disillusioned and burdened by his late oceanologist grandmother’s debts, Natsuki’s life takes a turn when he encounters Atri, a humanoid robot found dormant in his grandmother’s underwater laboratory. Atri, voiced by Hikaru Akao, is a bundle of energy and emotion despite her mechanical nature, claiming to have only 45 days to fulfill her former master’s final order. Together with a cast of colorful characters—including childhood friend Minamo Kamishiro, local tough guy Ryūji Nojima, and the enigmatic debt collector Catherine—the series chronicles Natsuki’s journey to rediscover purpose and forge unexpected bonds in a world reshaped by water.

The setting is one of ATRI’s most distinctive features. The flooded, near-deserted island evokes a melancholic yet hopeful atmosphere, with submerged ruins and vibrant marine life painted in stunning blues, greens, and pastel hues. This post-apocalyptic backdrop isn’t just window dressing; it underscores the characters’ struggles to adapt to a world where resources like electricity and running water are scarce. The narrative cleverly juxtaposes the bleakness of a drowned civilization with moments of warmth and optimism, creating a unique tone that feels both wistful and uplifting.

Strengths: Emotional Depth and Visual Splendor

ATRI: My Dear Moments excels in several areas, making it a standout for fans of emotional and introspective anime:

1. Emotional Storytelling: At its core, ATRI is a tragic romance that explores what it means to be human. The relationship between Natsuki and Atri, while initially awkward due to her childlike appearance, evolves into a profound bond that challenges preconceptions about artificial intelligence. The series delves into themes of loss, memory, and the capacity for love, culminating in an ending that many reviewers describe as “heart-wrenching” and “perfectly bittersweet.” One viewer noted, “The end had me ugly crying… a perfect way to sum up an anime we would have our heart attached to.”
2. Stunning Visuals: Troyca Studios delivers a visually striking adaptation, with a color palette that captures the essence of summer. The oceanic settings—complete with submerged schools and sun-dappled waves—are rendered with meticulous detail, complemented by fluid animation during intimate and action-packed scenes. The sound design, including ambient island sounds like crashing waves and chirping birds, enhances the immersive experience, making the setting feel alive and authentic.
3. Well-Developed Characters: Natsuki is a compelling protagonist, his intelligence and resilience tempered by grief and cynicism. Atri, despite her robotic nature, is endearing and complex, her programmed behaviors gradually giving way to genuine emotional depth. Supporting characters like Minamo and Ryūji add layers to the narrative, with backstories that enrich the small island community. The series avoids one-dimensional tropes, ensuring each character contributes meaningfully to the story.
4. Philosophical Undertones: ATRI tackles age-old questions about artificial intelligence and humanity, reminiscent of works like Time of Eve and Plastic Memories. It probes whether a robot like Atri can possess true emotions and what constitutes a soul, offering viewers plenty to ponder without heavy-handed exposition.

Weaknesses: Pacing and Plot Contrivances

Despite its strengths, ATRI is not without flaws, which some reviewers have highlighted:

1. Pacing Issues: The series struggles with uneven pacing, particularly in its early episodes, which some found slow and overly focused on slice-of-life elements. The transition to high-stakes sci-fi drama in the latter half feels abrupt, with plot points like world-level conflicts introduced without sufficient buildup. One reviewer lamented, “The last few episodes… heavily rely on infodumps… [and] are unwatchable because of them.”
2. Adaptation Challenges: Fans of the visual novel often note that the anime cuts crucial plot points and character development, diluting the emotional weight of certain scenes. For example, the anime shifts focus toward comedy at times, which undermines the dramatic tension that made the visual novel so compelling.
3. Uncomfortable Dynamics: Atri’s childlike appearance has sparked discomfort among some viewers, particularly in the context of her romantic connection with Natsuki. While the series eventually contextualizes this dynamic, it remains a hurdle for those sensitive to age-disparate relationships in anime.
4. Predictable Melodrama: The “nakige” (tearjerker) elements feel forced to some, with contrived conflicts and villains introduced to heighten emotional stakes. This predictability detracts from the otherwise nuanced exploration of Atri’s humanity.

Unique Elements That Set ATRI Apart

What makes ATRI: My Dear Moments unique is its ability to blend genres seamlessly while maintaining a cohesive emotional core. Unlike many sci-fi romances, it avoids dystopian despair, instead emphasizing resilience and hope. The flooded world serves as more than a backdrop; it’s a metaphor for the characters’ submerged pasts and their efforts to rise above adversity. The series also stands out for its linear narrative, a departure from the branching paths typical of visual novel adaptations, allowing for a focused story that prioritizes emotional payoff over complexity.

The soundtrack, featuring Mami Yanagi’s opening theme “Light Across the Seas” and Hikaru Akao’s ending theme “Dear Moments,” complements the summer vibe while underscoring the story’s emotional weight. The minimalist background OST enhances key scenes without overpowering them, a subtle touch that elevates the viewing experience.

Comparison to Peers

In the crowded Summer 2024 season, ATRI faced stiff competition from romances like Alya: Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian and Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines. While these series dominated with their comedic flair and relatable characters, ATRI carves its niche with its introspective tone and sci-fi premise. It shares DNA with Plastic Memories for its robot-human romance and Time of Eve for its philosophical depth, but its post-apocalyptic setting and summer aesthetic give it a distinct flavor.

Final Verdict

ATRI: My Dear Moments Season 1 is a beautifully crafted, emotionally charged anime that doesn’t shy away from big questions about humanity and connection. Its stunning visuals, evocative setting, and heartfelt character arcs make it a must-watch for fans of tragic romances and sci-fi dramas. However, its pacing issues, occasional melodrama, and adaptation shortcuts prevent it from reaching the heights of genre classics. For those new to the story, it’s a compelling standalone experience, though visual novel fans may prefer the source material for its deeper plot and character exploration.

Rating: 7.5/10 – A touching and visually spectacular journey that stumbles but ultimately leaves a lasting impression.

Recommendation: Perfect for viewers who enjoy emotional, thought-provoking anime with a sci-fi twist. If you loved Plastic Memories or Time of Eve, give ATRI a try, but be prepared for a slower start and some narrative bumps. For the full experience, consider exploring the visual novel on Steam, where the story’s depth is more fully realized.

Sources: This review draws on insights from MyAnimeList, TheReviewGeek, Infinite Zenith, and IMDb, cross-referenced for accuracy and critical perspective.