While Mari might be plagued by anxieties about not living her best life, A Place Further Than the Universe is certainly not all doom and gloom.
Atsuko Ishizuka has already made a clear name for herself directing shows like No Game, No Life and Hanamayata, but I feel A Place Further Than the Universe may be her prettiest show yet.
Her love of intense lighting and dramatic post-processing techniques means A Place Further Than the Universe often feels more like a theater film than a television series, with scenes like Mari’s first introduction to Shirase making strong use of variables like a train’s screaming approach.