Spy x Family Code: White nails that balance of bloody violence without oversaturation and a ridiculous premise that Anya is in peril and must not poop.
Spy x Family Code: White is the first feature-length film for the beloved anime series. It’s chock-full of laughs and action as the entire family, with Bond, the future-predicting family dog, goes on a weekend vacation. Plus, it’s an original movie that adds to the warm and comical relationships this found family has together. While viewers of the series will get more from the film, Spy x Family Code: White delivers as both a movie and an extension of the series, ensuring all favorites appear as the threat to East and West—and the family mission—come to a head.
Written by Ichirô Ôkouchi and Tatsuya Endo (who created the series) and directed by Kazuhiro Fuzuhashi, the film begins with the usual hilarious narrative introduction. After all, if unorthodox families were a competition, the Forgers would take first place. Loid Forger (Takuya Eguchi)—codename Twilight—is a spy from the West. To infiltrate a school for Operation Strix, he needs a kid and a wife. So he adopts Anya (Atsumi Tanezaki), a precocious toddler who, unbeknownst to him, can read minds. Then he marries Yor (Saori Hayami), an assassin codenamed Thorn Princess. But Operation Strix is now in jeopardy.
Spy x Family Code: White Starts Simple Enough
Loid still works hard to fulfill his mission, but getting Anya the Stellas—elite recognition rewards—needed to get close to his target is a challenge. But now there is a competition at school to make a dessert. With the principal judging the best and a Stella on the line, the family plans a trip to learn how to make the principal’s favorite dessert, meremere. Still, it wouldn’t be the Forgers without some drama brewing. So, there’s a mission on top of a mission on top of jealousy.
This Quartet Never Misses
Crafting a film that lands for adults and children is a challenge. But Spy x Family Code: White nails that balance of bloody violence without oversaturation and a ridiculous premise that Anya is in peril and must not poop. Even with the secrets, the family dynamic is heartwarming, delightful, and aspirational. On top of the original story, there are side-splitting callbacks to memorable moments from the series for those who know.
The animation is stunning: bright, colorful, and light. If there is one gripe, some scenes with Yor running appear clunky. When she runs in action scenes it looks stilted. But it does not harm the film’s animation overall or the story. Plus, there’s a knockout animation scene with Loid versus an opponent. The colors are reminiscent of the show’s first opening. Spy x Family Code: White taps into what makes the show outstanding and expands it into a feature-length joyride with a hilarious and engaging family.
Spy x Family Code: White may not be canon. However, that does not detract from the fun audiences will have watching their favorite oddball family wreak havoc on vacation. Even those who have not seen the series can find enjoyment, although some jokes might not land the same. While including chaotic fights and unfortunate, comedic encounters with a heartwarming family at its center that increases both action and chuckles, Spy x Family Code: White is an exciting first feature film for a fantastic series.
