Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution—A Tale of Two Halves for Fans

Anime has been a powerhouse at the movies all through 2025, with major hits like Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man dominating ticket sales. Now, Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution steps up to the plate, hoping to score another huge victory for the medium. The film acts as a bridge, tying up loose ends from the fantastic second season while launching the third. It's an absolute can't-miss for followers of the show, though it will likely leave newcomers completely lost.

What's the Story?

The movie opens right where the second season left off, serving as a quick recap of the last six episodes of the "Shibuya Incident" arc for anyone needing a reminder. We see the aftermath of the devastating events, with Yuji Itadori reeling from the loss of so many friends and allies. After Pseudo-Geto unleashes a wave of ten million cursed spirits across the globe, Jujutsu Headquarters officially sentences Yuji to death.

From there, the action shifts to Tokyo, where the curse outbreak is in full swing. As Yuji and his half-brother Choso fight to contain the chaos, they find themselves targeted by two new arrivals. One is Naoya Zenin, who is making a play to seize leadership of the Zen'in clan. The other is Yuta Okkotsu, a former student of Gojo and the executioner sent to carry out Yuji's sentence. With both of them on his tail, Yuji faces his most difficult challenge yet.

A Familiar, Less Impactful Beginning

The problem with movies that repackage TV episodes is that we've been here before. "The Shibuya Incident" was a game-changing arc for the series, proving the show could go to incredibly dark places and forcing Yuji to witness the deaths of people he cared about. It was the kind of raw, high-stakes drama that has made anime so popular today.

Watching a condensed version of that story just doesn't hit the same. While it's nice to see beloved characters like Nobara and Nanami again, reliving their tragic fates in a sped-up format lacks the punch of the original broadcast. The emotional weight just isn't there. The animation is still top notch, blending CGI and traditional drawing beautifully, but it's a style we've seen a lot this year. The first part of the film offers some great action, but it feels like a rerun rather than a transformative big-screen experience.

A Strong Start for What's Next

Thankfully, the film's second act is where things get exciting. This new material, which feels like the first few episodes of the next season, does an excellent job setting up future storylines. We get a look into the complex power struggles within the Zen'in clan, which will clearly be important later on. Even better, we get the return of Yuta Okkotsu, and he's more formidable than ever.

Fans will remember Yuta as the protagonist of the prequel movie, *Jujutsu Kaisen 0*. His story there provided crucial background on characters like Gojo and Geto. This film confirms his role in the main series in a big way. He's not just one of the strongest sorcerers around; he's also an incredibly compelling character. The animation during his scenes is spectacular, and he displays a surprising amount of emotional complexity. This movie only offers a glimpse of him, but it's clear he's going to be a major player in "The Culling Game" arc.

Who Should See It?

So, should you go see it? If you're a dedicated fan who is up to date with the show, absolutely. If you've never seen an episode, you should probably skip it. The film dives deep into the series' lore, and without any prior knowledge of the characters and their history, you'll be completely in the dark.

The movie is visually impressive throughout it's ninety-minute runtime, which isn't a huge time commitment. But some films are made to stand on their own, while others are purely for the existing fanbase. This one falls squarely in the latter category. For those already invested, however, it serves as an exciting preview for the show's return in 2026.