Anime continues to surprise and intrigue viewers with new additions almost daily, and Kinema Citrus, the veteran animators behind the critically acclaimed “Made in Abyss,” have dropped a captivating concept trailer for their upcoming project, “Goodbye, Lara.” Amidst a recent wave of anime adaptations of classic fairy tales, the works of Hans Christian Andersen seem to be next in line to receive a unique animated spin. “Goodbye, Lara” infuses aspects of classic shojo aesthetic design, cinematic animation, and nostalgic romanticism as Kinema Citrus unveils the first glimpses of this new project based on “The Little Mermaid.”
Kinema Citrus has made impressive contributions in the decade and a half since its founding. While “Made in Abyss” remains the studio’s most definitive work to date, other contemporary hits, such as “The Rising of the Shield Hero” and last year’s debut “My Happy Marriage,” have further solidified its reputation. The range of animation styles and refinement in their works make Kinema Citrus a fitting choice to bring “The Little Mermaid” into modern Japan in more ways than one.
Recently released on May 18, 2024, the “Goodbye, Lara” concept trailer transports Hans Christian Andersen’s protagonist to modern Japan two hundred years into the future. Early glimpses offer a look at her old life among other merfolk, as she pines for her Prince Charming, seemingly unconscious on a bed of white roses. “Goodbye, Lara” starts with a more elegant and classic shojo aesthetic in its character designs before teasing a time-skip that brings the protagonist to Lake Biwa in the Shiga Prefecture.
Once in the modern world, Kinema Citrus channels a classic anime vibe reminiscent of the works of Studio Ghibli, bringing the protagonist’s sense of wonder alive as she experiences modern conveniences. This includes enjoying Japan’s cuisine, fainting at the sight of cars, and making new friends. Intriguingly, it seems she leaves behind her old Prince Charming in favor of a possible new love interest, but questions remain: if this is an adaptation of “The Little Mermaid,” will she have to pay a price for her newfound life on land?
While anime has infused fairy tale concepts before, Kinema Citrus upholds this trend with elegance and a strong foundation of classic influences. The studio’s previous work, such as “My Happy Marriage,” serves as an exciting prelude to the combined elements of “The Little Mermaid” and oceanic ballet seen in “Goodbye, Lara.” The inclusion of Johann Strauss II’s “Blue Danube” in the trailer perfectly combines these aesthetics, instilling a sense of wonder and charm.
Not much is known about this anime project beyond the concept trailer, labeled as a “Work in Progress” on Kinema Citrus’ official YouTube channel. However, with Takushi Koide’s involvement as director, fans can anticipate the likelihood of an extended television series, providing an in-depth glimpse into “Goodbye, Lara’s” unique take on “The Little Mermaid.”
