The ‘Sailor Moon’ director’s new anime film is about love, magic and cats

The director of “Sailor Moon” is back to helm a new story about a girl who dabbles in magic. Yep, we’re psyched, too.

Today, Netflix released stills from “A Whisker Away,” a new animated film from “Sailor Moon” director Junichi Satoh and famed Japanese screenwriter Mari Okada. Along with Satoh, Tomotaka Shibayama also co-directed the film.

The film follows junior high student Miyo “Muge” Sasaki and her growing affection for classmate Kento Hinode. Her efforts to pursue Kento keep failing, until she finds a magic mask that allows her to transform into a cat. Muge, in cat form, becomes closer and closer with Kento—but prolonged use of the magic might seal her within the feline form for life.

The film’s charming animation—we’re already ready to protect kitten Muge at all costs—is courtesy of Studio Colorido. In the film, expect to be treated to captivating animations of the Tokoname landscape, including a fictional secret cat community.

Originally set for a Jun. 5 premiere in Japan, the film’s release was pushed back due to COVID-19 concerns. Now, “A Whisker Away” will premiere on Netflix globally on Jun. 18.

Watch the trailer for “A Whisker Away” here:

Still from “A Whisker Away” (2020)

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