The announcement ofPsycho-Pass Providencelast year was just one of many gifts to the fans to celebrate 10 long years, reuniting old characters for a new story. The new film promises to tie up loose ends, but will it be the end of this series or just the beginning of its next phase?
WhenPsycho-Passreturned to television in 2019 after four years, it did so with a new cast of characters and a return to basics, albeit in a setting that had gradually changed since Season 1. But even after all eight episodes and the follow-up film,First Inspector, there were questions that needed answering.
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The Case of the “Stronskaya Document”
Providenceis set between the third entry of theSinners of the Systemtrilogy andPsycho-Pass 3.After fleeing Japan at the end of Season 1, Shinya Kogami has returned, not as a prisoner, but as an agent of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Akane Tsunemori is still the lead Inspector of Division 1 alongside Mika Shimotsuki.
When Professor Milicia Stronskaya is found dead, the Public Safety Bureau learns that the professor’s research is being hunted by a paramilitary group known as the Peacebreakers. The contents of the so-called “Stronskaya Document” projectthe global impact of Japan’s Sibyl System, the revelations of which could spell trouble for Japan’s government.
By the end ofPsycho-Pass 3, there were still vital pieces of the puzzle missing. Akane Tsunemori was in prison with little explanation, and the rest ofthe main cast from Season 1all seemed to have their own adventures, the context and history of which was lost on the audience, including Kogami’s rivalry with the Peacebreakers.
It wasn’t wrong to focus on a new cast of characters, but at times it could feel as though the creators wanted to tell a different story, andProvidencefeels likethatstory. It’s being marketed as the “missing link” that will not only explain what the original cast has been up to but offer closure for the new cast from Season 3 as well.
The Production Staff
Returning to direct the film is Naoyoshi Shiotani, to the surprise of no one. He has directed every single installment of this franchise since the beginning. He even helmed Season 2, which wasn’t even made by Production I.G. His directioncombined with Yugo Kanno’s thrilling scorehas given the series a sense of consistency even when the writing has struggled.
Tow Ubukata is the writer of the film, which for fans who have followedPsycho-Passfrom the beginning might not be a cause for excitement. Ubukata has written good work and has come up with some appreciably compelling ideas, but sometimes the execution of those ideas can leave something to be desired in his work. This is reflected in the poor reception toPsycho-Pass 2.
However, Ubukata is not alone in writing this film. He is joined by co-writer Makoto Fukami, who has co-written everyPsycho-Passentry save for Season 2 and the first Sinners of the System film. Fukami also just recentlypenned the TV adaptation ofHeavenly Delusionand the upcomingResident Evil: Death Island.
Gen Urobuchi, the famed writer of the first season and the 2015 film, is credited with the “Original Story Concept” but it’s unclear what this means for their involvement. Does it refer to him having created the world ofPsycho-Pass, or was this specific film’s concept conceived by him? It’s not quite clear.
Is The Hype Still There?
There is a sizable contingent of fans who view the"post-Urobuchi"Psycho-Passas lacking in spirit, and this is understandable. Urobuchi might not be a universally loved writer, but his best works are memorable because he is distinctly bold with the execution of his idea, blending violence and thoughtful theming into a mix that’s hard to forget.
In the absence of Urobuchi’s direct involvement, there is a belief thatPsycho-Passhas yet to truly surpass itself or so much as justify its continuation. However, it’s for that same reason thatProvidencefeels like such an exciting chance to see if this franchise still has some of that magic that made it so fantastic.
This will be the first time that Akane and Kogami will have shared the screen since the 2015 film - the last time Urobuchi wrote for the series.The return of the series' English dubcouldn’t have come at a better time as Kate Oxley and Robert McCollum will be reprising their roles just in time for the big-screen release.
Psycho-Passhas changed a lot in the last 10 years, and it’s been hard to decide if that change has been ultimately good or bad. This film might be the best chance to find an answer. Regardless of the answer, it hasn’t stopped new entries from garnering excitement, which speaks to the love for these characters, if that counts for anything, which it should.
Psycho-Pass Providence will hit theaters in North America in English and in Japanese with English Subtitles beginning July 14. Early screenings will be held on July 11 (dubbed) and July 13 (subbed).
