Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time begins with a poignant depiction of the desolate world post-Fourth Impact. The once lush planet Earth has been reduced to a barren wasteland, devoid of life and hope. Shinji, Asuka, and Rei, the three pivotal figures from the Evangelion saga, have managed to find solace in a rare pocket of humanity that remains. Each has undergone a transformation, far removed from their days as Evangelion pilots. The film opens with Shinji, now an old man, wandering aimlessly in the ruins of Tokyo-3, still grappling with the guilt and trauma of his past. He is accompanied by his wife, Marianne, and their child, who bears the same surname as Shinji's mother, Yui. This subtle hint at Shinji's lineage serves as a poignant reminder of his connection to the mysterious and enigmatic being, Yui Ikari, whose legacy continues to shape the story. Asuka, now a highly successful engineer, is shown to be working tirelessly to create a new, more advanced line of Evangelions. Her drive and determination suggest a sense of longing for the heroic days of her youth, when she and Shinji fought side by side as pilots. Despite her outward appearance of confidence and poise, Asuka's inner turmoil remains, hinted at through fleeting glances at the scarred and battered landscape of Earth. Rei, on the other hand, is depicted as a serene and enigmatic presence, living a life apart from her former comrades. Her days are spent meditating and contemplating the mysteries of the universe. Although seemingly detached from the world, Rei's thoughts are constantly drawn to the events of her past, particularly her relationships with Shinji and Misato. Her introspection provides a glimpse into the complexities of her character, as she grapples with the implications of her existence as a being, created from the soul of Adam, the first Angel. Meanwhile, Gendo Ikari, the enigmatic founder of NERV, stands at the center of a conspiracy to create a new, more powerful Evangelion, capable of stopping the impending threat to the remaining humanity. Gendo's motives are unclear, but it becomes apparent that his primary goal is to prevent the true extinction of humanity, rather than simply preserving the remnants of society. The story shifts as the impending threat, known as the "Human Instrumentality," begins to take shape. This event, born from the collective unconscious of all humanity, represents the end of individuality and the beginning of a new, unified existence. As Evangelion pilots and creators alike face this impending doom, they are forced to confront the darker aspects of their own psyches and the world they once knew. Asuka, still grappling with her past, finds herself torn between her sense of duty and her growing attachment to her new love interest, a woman known only as Hikari. Their relationship serves as a poignant reminder of the humanity that still exists in a world on the brink of collapse. In a parallel narrative, Mari Illustrious Makinami, a pilot who has appeared throughout the series, is shown to be working with Gendo to create a new Evangelion capable of addressing the Human Instrumentality. Her actions raise questions about the reliability of her character, long shrouded in mystery, and hint at the existence of a larger, more sinister plot at play. Ultimately, the Human Instrumentality reaches its climax as Shinji, Asuka, and Rei must come to terms with their own identities and the legacy of their experiences as Evangelion pilots. The film presents a poignant exploration of the human condition, as these characters grapple with the implications of their actions and the true cost of survival in a world on the precipice of extinction. The movie concludes with a dramatic confrontation with the Instrumentality, as the three friends are forced to choose between their individual existences and the prospect of a unified, collective consciousness.