Understanding The On-Screen Chemistry

Behind My Dress-Up Darling

Winter 2022 of the anime season has officially ended, and yet out of all the titles for
that season, My Dress-Up Darling still remains the talk among anime community
circles. This has been evident by the fact that both of series’ main characters, Marin
Kitagawa and Gojo Wakana, have won Best Girl and Best Boy respectively during
Anime Corner’s latest poll for best characters during Winter 2022. Polls aside, there
is still a lot of media that keeps it a talk of the community. From full-blown social
media accounts dedicated to aesthetic shots of the series, to memes, video clips: all
these just cements the impact of this romantic comedy series.

From a surface level, the premise of My Dress-Up Darling should not be exciting and
unique at all. Time and time again, we are introduced to some sort of anime romance
at any given anime season each year. But there is so much to uncover as to why this
series really relates from a realistic perspective, and how it could shape our
perspective of anime romance duos in the near future.

Making a Generic Genre More ‘Real’

The anime world, or perhaps entertainment in general, has been no short of romance
flicks in a bid to woo to viewers and make them feel all cuddly inside. But that
prolonged release of romantic media has lead to a point that the genre itself has
become so saturated that on-screen romances don’t feel so real at all. Sure, viewers
may find it so sweet and all, but it feels manufactured, an evident smear of the
author’s chaotic yet beautiful imagination that sometimes it feels far-fetched.

On the other hand, My Dress-Up Darling was a wake-up call for those who really
watch romantic series: allowing the true colors of the characters themselves. Unlike
generic romance anime series that put a stereotype to the male/female relationship,
My Dress-Up Darling was not that case.

For instance, Gojo has been portrayed from the very start being a quiet and reserved
boy. This is somewhat unlikely for a generic romantic series, where it is expected that
the male role will always portray itself as being overpowered, zealous, lively,
arrogant, among others. Meanwhile, Marin is more portrayed as a free-spirited girl
who is more open to a lot of things and is welcome to listen to others’ opinion. This is
again unlikely for a stereotypical romance series, where the girl is often depicted as
innocent, shy, fearful, among a few things.

Now, you might ask: Isn’t that aspect of new depictions not that new?

Yes, that is true. In fact, it is within this anime premises that we are introduced to
some of unlikely romantic duos that defy standardized romantic tropes. From a story
of a budding relationship between a human and a robot in Plastic Memories to a fiery
duo combo evident in Toradora!, these past series have at some point impacted us.

But My Dress-Up Darling brings more than the unique characteristics to the romantic
table. Their characters, slowly progressing by episode, really shows how these
unlikely characteristics are vital in supporting each other’s role. From the very
premise of the show where Gojo makes costumes for Marin, while Marin openly
suggests Gojo to stroll around and make good memories, such natural pace of the
show really makes the viewers totally root for them.
Unafraid to Show Real Concern and Fragility

There is so much more ‘human’ emotion that really exudes from My Dress-Up
Darling as a romantic series, a rarity in on-screen anime romances. While most of
these series would end up in these faux/playful banter that actually leads nowhere,
the series allows viewers to have a much closer look as to how a simple genuine
request leads to much more greater things.

This emotion is actually more prevalent on Marin’ side, which surprisingly is a rarity
for anime female characters to portray, given the more dominant stereotype romance
skits have long been. Starting off during episode four when Gojo had just finished the
first cosplay costume, Marin broke into tears and actually apologized for the
miscommunication they had. Had that been a typical romantic scene, Marin would
just laughed that off and give Gojo a hard slap on the back.

And that genuine emotion really blossomed to what I think climaxed the whole series:
during episode six where Marin actually realizes that she is gushing over Gojo after
that ‘beautiful’ compliment during episode five. This transition really shows how even
words can even have a greater gravity that is stemmed from Gojo’s genuine efforts. It
has been fun to see how Marin gushes over Gojo at multiple instances, from that
home date in episode seven to Gojo blushing over Marin’s yukata (and yes, that neck
nape) in episode twelve.

Gojo’s emotions are no short of that genuine aspect, as we have seen his growth
from a quiet hina doll maker to being close to a girl she described as like ‘a different
universe apart’. In episode four as well, we see him battling his own doubts and
fears, all for the sake of a ‘smile’, a simple yet a powerful interpretation of how one’s
request can open doors for more beautiful things in life. And that again has been
manifested in episode eight, where Gojo admires the ocean for the first time and
admiring the fireworks alongside Marin in episode twelve.

Moments like this reflect the true nature of genuine relationships. Regardless of our
differences and perspectives, as long as we learn how to co-exist and aid with each
other, there is always a room with a door that awaits for us for greater expectations
and opportunities.

Summarizing My Dress-Up Darling’s Screen Chemistry

Overall, My Dress-Up Darling’s on-screen romance chemistry will remain a dominant

reason why some of us can keep going back to this series, re-watching those
highlights and sigh while we are smitten. Fan service aside, the series itself poses a
humorous yet realistic take on a genuine romance between teenagers. After all, as
much as we are shy to admit, some the show’s hilarious scenes actually made us
flustered. Like how relatable it is to freak out when a first-time friend visits your house
for the first, just like in episode two. Or how things can escalate quickly and the
tension so breath-taking you can cut with a knife, just like in episode eleven.

After all, the romantic presence of My Dress-Up Darling and its defying standards
and genuine development will somehow serve even a bit of a benchmark for future
romantic duos.

You can rewatch My Dress-Up Darling on Crunchyroll and on Bilibili in select regions
in Asia-Pacific.