Detective Conan: One Eyed Flashback (2025)
Just because an anime is big in Japan it doesn't always follow that it's big in the west- and vice versa. Some anime that are huge in their homeland don't make much impact in other parts of the world. Detective Conan, known internationally as Case Closed is an absolute blockbuster hit in Japan, but is more of a fringe concern in the United States and UK. The franchise started life as a best-selling manga, before becoming a long-running TV series (airing from 1996 to today). It has also spun-off annual theatrical outings, of which Detective Conan: One Eyed Flashback is the latest and 28th.
Detective Conan: One Eyed Flashback was originally released in Japan in April of 2025. It went on to become the second biggest Japanese film of the year, behind only Demon Slayer, as well as becoming the second highest grossing Detective Conan film to date. The film is directed by debutant Katsuya Shigehara, and written by Takeharu Sakurai. Animation production is by TMS. It comes to UK cinemas courtesy of CineAsia on September 26, 2025.
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The franchise follows teen detective Shinichi Kudo who was poisoned and transformed back into the body of a primary school child. He takes on the identity Conan Edogawa (referencing both Sherlock Holmes and Japanese mystery writer Edogawa Ranpo) and moves in with his childhood best friend Ran and her private detective father, Kogoro.
The new feature is primarily set in the mountains of Nagano. It opens with a policeman pursuing a suspect, only to get caught up in an avalanche. 10 months later, Kogoro is contacted by an old partner who claims to be investigating the avalanche, only to be assassinated right before Kogoro and Conan's eyes.
Determined to uncover the truth behind his old friend's death, Kogoro travels to Nagano, while Conan begins an investigation of his own. In Nagano, Conan and Kogoro discover that the avalanche is connected to a robbery that happened eight years earlier. Then a mysterious assailant starts attacking the police investigating. Can Conan uncover the truth before it's too late?
The movie spin-offs of anime TV series can broadly be split into two camps. One is essentially an extended episode of the TV show, while others aim for something much more cinematic. The latter is becoming more common but Detective Conan is decidedly an example of the former.
The animation quality is just a notch above television quality, with distinctive character designs with strong lines. It's perfectly serviceable and more than does the job, and is consistent with the TV series that it spun off from. It's not likely to win any awards, but it's hard to see fans being disappointed.
It goes beyond the visuals, and the feel of the film is very much that of an extended TV episode. And there's nothing wrong with that, as what more does a Detective Conan fan want from a Conan movie? The central mystery and conspiracy is suitably intriguing and also feels somewhat bigger than a mere murder mystery of the week. It feels suitably big for the big screen. The Detective Conan team know what they're doing when putting together a mystery- after all, they've been doing it for nearly 30 years.
As befits the genre, there is much more of an emphasis on dialogue and unfolding plot over action. Although there is a pretty thrilling chase sequence at the movie's climax, it's not really what the film is about.
The movie moves along at quite a clip and you'll never be bored. It feels much shorter than its actual (generous) running time. It's also surprisingly newcomer-friendly. By its very nature it's a standalone story, and can be enjoyed without too much trouble by those new to the franchise. A handy introduction recaps the basic set-up and characters at the start. It's true that established fans will get the most out of this- but it isn't a strictly "fans only" affair.
Overall, One Eyed Flashback is a very engaging film that will have you absorbed in its central mystery. Whether you're a newbie or a long-time fan you should be thoroughly entertained.
Be sure to stay after the credits, as there's a (lengthy) post-credit sequence to check out.
IN A NUTSHELL:
An enjoyable mystery that will keep you guessing to the end
★★★☆☆
