Want An Anime With That Makoto Shinkai Feel? You Need To Look Out For This New Netflix Film

Published Apr 29, 2025

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For fans who are still chasing the emotional high of Your Name or the quiet longing of Voices of a Distant Star, Netflix has something new to offer. Lost in Starlight, a visually breathtaking anime directed by Han Ji-won, is set to premiere on May 30, and it is already drawing comparisons to the poetic and emotional storytelling style of Makoto Shinkai. For fans of romantic, soul-stirring anime, this might just be the next must-watch to add to all planning lists.

While Lost in Starlight stands on its own merits, according to @netflix on X, it channels a familiar magic that Shinkai fans will instantly recognize. The animation alone, with lush skies, dream-like lighting, and sweeping landscapes, echoes the stunning visuals that made Shinkai's films so memorable. But beyond the beauty, this film also taps into that aching sense of distance and fate that defines much of his work.

A Romance Written in the Stars

Lost in Starlight is a Romance That Will Stun and Sweep Fans Off Their Feet

At its heart, Lost in Starlight is a love story and one that is literally stretched across the cosmos. The main characters are lovers torn apart not by circumstance, but by the sheer magnitude of space itself. Like Voices of a Distant Star, where time and distance challenge a bond formed on Earth, this film explores what it means to stay emotionally connected when physical seems impossible. The premise may be otherworldly, but the emotions are deeply human.

Your Name. Mitsuha and Taki lying back to back and laughing happily as a star is falling behind them in the background

With a New Movie On the Horizon, Your Name's Director Is Ready to Surprise Everyone

Makoto Shinkai, the director of Your Name and Weathering With You, is making another film and it is set to be something different from his past works.

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Director Han Ji-won approaches this interstellar romance with quiet sensitivity, weaving a narrative that feels both intimate and grand. Rather than relying on spectacle alone, the film dives into the psychological weight of separation. Each scene builds a mood of longing, hope, and bittersweet acceptance, reminding viewers that love, no matter how far-flung, leaves an indelible imprint on the soul.

A Visual Experience Worth the Hype

Lost in Starlight Looks Visually Stunning and Beautifully Written

What truly elevates Lost in Starlight is its visual artistry. From glowing nebulae to serene Earthbound moments, the animation strikes a balance between science fiction awe and emotional resonance. Fans of Shinkai's ethereal skies and meticulous detail will find plenty to ire here. Every frame feels intentional, crafted to reflect the characters' inner worlds and the vastness of their separation.

Yet this is not just a copy of Shinkai’s style or Your Name. Han brings his own voice to the screen, with color palettes and pacing that suggest a quieter, more meditative tone. The result is a film that does not just imitate a beloved aesthetic, it evolves it. If fans are looking for an anime that blends heartfelt storytelling with awe-inspiring visuals, Lost in Starlight is one to circle on all calendars.