As I write this, peering through my Ray Ban sunglasses, day drinking champagne in a three story Italian villa, a snoring shiba uni to the left of me, one fact rings out in resounding clarity: I know luxury.
And Neo Yokio is luxury, bitch.
Netflix’s newest original anime is a masterclass in voice acting and comedy.
The brainchild of Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koeig, this six episode first season gives us a tiny, yet insightful look at the world of Jayden Smith’s Kaz Kaan, Neo Yokio’s most intriguing bachelor.
Born into the Neo Richie class of elite magicians, tasked with protecting the city from demonic terrorists, Kaz starts his relationship with us viewers mourning the end of another. Sitting courtside on a rooftop tennis court, Kaan can't be bothered to play the game of being one of society’s elite. No, the existential dread that consumes his life is far more important to him at the moment, and not even his second place ranking on the Bachelor Board will motivate him. But alas, at his Aunt Agatha’s (played by Susan Sarandon) command, Kaz Kaan is sent on a routine exorcism job of the premier teen fashion blogger.
It turns out to be anything but routine.
The fashion blogger, voiced by the wonderful Tav Gevinson, is one Helena St. Tessero, who after two exorcism attempts, is released from the demonic chains wrapped around her psyche, but the materialistic chains that had surrounded her life before. This renouncing of high society is a direct attack on Kaz’s worldview, and Helena’s involvement in his live will take a few cracks at the fashionable foundation that makes up his high opinion of Neo Yokio’s high society over the course of six episodes.
In these six episodes, we as an audience are treated to one of the best collection of voices I have heard in animated project in a very long time. From Jude Law’s Mecha Butler Charles, Jason Schwartzman’s devilish Arcangelo, and Steve Buscemi’s The Rememberer, every role is cast perfectly. The direction of these actors is perfect as well, consistently creating a comedic timing and flow that is unique to this format.
The animation isn't perfect, yet it has a sense of style that suits the gilded world that makes up Neo Yokio like a tailored tux. The creators of the show give us a slight peak of the disenfranchised world of those not in the glamor of the main city. Ironically this glimpse into this dark reality is merely a side note, a planned obstacle during the finales Grand Pix route that takes it’s drivers right through the heart of the lower classes residences.
Despite my heaping of praises on this wonderful show, my voice is merely a whisper in a mass of those shouting in opposition.
Those people are wrong.
So wrong that they're entering a level of wrongness that is simply called The Bitch Ass Hater Level.
These critics wouldn't understand luxury if a pure gold iPhone X slapped them on their neck beard.
Answer me this: could a show blessed with the sweet voices of the angels of the number one show in late night, Desu & Mero, possibly be bad?
You know the answer is a resounding “I think the fuck not”
So like a midnight blue tux at a black and white ball, make sure to catch the new wave of luxury and watch Neo Yokio.
It's the gentlemanly thing to do.
Willard Squire is in fact, the least luxurious person to walk the planet. His favorite drink is the elegant Vodka Redbull, and his favorite food is Sunflower Seeds with a side of Iced Milk.
Stay tuned for more blessings of His writing.