Starlight Anya steals the show in this film based on the popular SPY x FAMILY franchise, but whether you are a fan, or a newcomer, there is lots of fun to be had in this feature-length spectacle of our favourite (pretend) family.
The plot of this film is described as he’s a spy. She’s an assassin. Together, Loid and Yor keep their double lives to themselves while pretending to be the perfect family. However, their adopted daughter Anya, a telepath, knows both of their exciting secrets unbeknownst to them. While under the guise of taking his family on a weekend winter getaway, Loid’s attempt to make progress on his current mission Operation Strix proves difficult when Anya mistakenly gets involved and triggers events that threaten world peace!
That’s not a lot of info to go on, and I think that is intentional as to not spoil the hilarious antics that transpire in the film. In short; SPY x FAMILY CODE: White sees the Forger family travel to Frigis for a weekend break in hopes of sampling a local delicacy, the meremere cake, but along the way Anya finds herself in trouble with local military forces after eating a chocolate treat containing a microfilm. The contents of this microfilm could ignite the flames of war between the west and east, something which WISE and agent Twilight are keen to avoid, but for the Forgers they have a bigger problem to overcome… and that’s keeping the family together and safe in this new region.
Saying any more would potentially ruin the surprises in store, as this does seem like a film that’s best without knowledge of the story for maximum entertainment. But, I can say that the film does an excellent job of bringing the best elements from the series, such as over dramatic comedy and thrilling spy sequences, and presenting them in a single feature.
Anya’s over energetic and curious personality. Check. Loid’s obsession for the mission. Check. Yor’s over imagination and self doubt. Check. Bond. Borf. The film is just a constant stream of entertainment from each character and lets them shine brightly, almost like a highlight reel that never ends, with the only break being for story progression or conflict between characters. Even support characters, such as Franky, Damian, Sylvia and Fiona, get their brief moments to shine on the big screen – and in the most fitting ways possible (especially when it comes to Fiona).
Story line and character personalities aside the animation presented by WIT STUIDO and CLOVERWORKS, with support from a whole host of other animation studios (seriously, take a look at the credits and see how many animation studios were involved), also helps bring the best out of the Forger family on the big screen.
The animation quality is consistent throughout the film and remains in line with what we have seen in the TV series. Additionally fast-paced and dramatic scenes leading up to key moments of the film feel fluid and well presented, with the animation style changing slightly depending on the events happening on screen.
Music from (K)NoW_NAME also makes a welcome return in the film, so if you’re a fan of the soundtrack from the TV series then you’ll hear some familiar tunes (and new ones) throughout this film. Sadly the new songs teased during the promotional trailers, such as SOULSOUP by Dism, only appear during the end credits. Fortunately you’ll want to stick around until the after the credits anyway for an amusing post credit scene – so you may as well wait and listen these songs as well.
We should also mention that SPY x FAMILY CODE: White isn’t just a film for the fans, as those with no exposure to the series can still enjoy what transpires. This is partly due to the films monologue styled introduction, of which introduces the main cast of characters and their desires, but more so due to how accessible the film is throughout.
It’s a self contained storyline in a new location and is a story that can be enjoyed by all. For newcomers the film can act as a gateway to the series, while for fans it is an entirely new story filled with new characters, comedy and drama that further expands the enjoyable SPY x FAMILY world.
Overall SPY x FAMILY CODE: White brings the best of the Forger family to the bring screen and will leave you wanting more, especially a slice of that local delicacy. Also, don’t forget to stick around until after the credits for an extra treat.
SPY x FAMILY CODE: White will be available subbed and dubbed in UK cinemas from 26th April 2024.
Tickets are also available to book online through the official website.
Subbed Trailer:
Dubbed Trailer:
