Spoilers ahead.

I’ve always had a soft spot for feel-good anime movies, keeping new ones on my radar. Since my childhood, I’d watched many movies from Studio Ghibli, so the familiar and nostalgic art style is something I always appreciate.  So when I stumbled across a newly-released film called Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop over the summer, I was immediately drawn to its poetic title, florescent colors, and the promise of a new story. While I was scrolling away on Netflix, I discovered a newly-released film called Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop. Intrigued by its poetic title and fluorescent colors, I was quick to add it to my to-watch list.

The movie follows two high school students in a small town: Cherry—a quiet boy with  headphones and an affinity for haikus—and Smile—an internet streamer who wears a mask to conceal her buck teeth.  We learn early on that Cherry is moving to another town in a month, leaving the watcher with some tension for his and Smile’s relationship. Their meeting sparks a classic slice-of-life teen romance, along with predictable twists and unexpected turns.

Throughout the film, the experimental art-style exceeded my expectations. From a glance, it might not look like anything out of the ordinary, but it utilized new techniques, from sharply lined clouds to eccentric colors that contrast its peaceful mood. Many of the movies I have watched with the anime art style follow quite a subtle, realistic color palette, and not just because they take place in a natural environment. In Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop, the neon shades in indoor environments like the mall made sense, but even in the outdoor countryside, the choice in color made for a unique look. 

But beyond the art style, the plot of the movie and two protagonists echoed anxieties I recognize in our current generation. Cherry attends a haiku club at the mall, but when asked to read his work aloud, he becomes visibly nervous, his face glowing bright red from bottom to top. He avoids public speaking as much as possible—hence the constant headphones in an attempt to avoid conversation. Smile, on the other hand, is a semi-popular streamer with her whole life broadcasted to the public. She has no problem with speaking in front of other people ; however, she struggles with insecurity around the appearance of her braces, using a medical mask to hide her teeth at all times.

As a teenager myself, social anxiety and the pressure to look a certain way on social media are two common difficulties I’ve faced. I appreciated the relatability to both of the characters—none of them were “perfect,” but instead their realistic teenage insecurities were showcased throughout the story. By the end of the movie (spoiler alert), the audience was able to see them grow as they overcame their fears and eventually confessed their love.

The film is undeniably a love story. However, it didn’t shove the romance in your face like some idealistic TV shows do. At times it was frustrating seeing the pair avoid the topic of love. Sometimes their interactions seemed awkward, but it felt much more reminiscent of teenage romance. Cherry and Smile had more than just a romantic relationship—they shared a satisfying, and normal, friendship. 

Although the relationship developed at a comfortable pace, the ending provided more questions than answers. The final scene concludes with a heartwarming confession, but what happens next, considering that Cherry is moving towns? Despite the inconclusive ending, I thought the story ended on a satisfying note—anything beyond would have broken the feel-good mood or made the movie drag on.

Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop was worth the watch, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. I didn’t catch myself thinking about the film for days after watching it like I had with A Silent Voice, but I appreciate the inventive art style and the realistic take on teen anxieties and romance. 

Rating: TV-G

Running Time: 1h 30m

Release Date: July 22, 2021 (Japan)

Streaming On: Netflix