Released in the United States on April 19, 2024, Spy X Family CODE: White marks the series’ venture into the anime movie market. Those of us outside of Japan had to wait about five months for this film to make it across the pond, so was the wait worth it?
To measure just how good (or bad) CODE: White is, we’re going to break it down into four factors (Animation & Visuals, Voice Acting & Casting, Plot & Characters, and Adherence to Anime’s Tone) before looking at the film on an overall level. These will be rated from 1 to 10, with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best.
WARNING! We will try to keep this as general as possible, but there will be spoilers for specific events that happen in the movie. If you want to go in completely blind, read this later.
Animation & Visuals: 9/10
The number one standout factor of Spy X Family CODE: White is the action scenes. For anyone wishing the anime had a little more action in it, you’ll get it here. As usual, the major action set pieces are in the final act of the film.
First, every anime movie needs its protagonist to have a dogfight. Following in Spike’s (Cowboy Bebop) jet streams, Loid gets to show off one of his vast multitude of skills by flying a defunct military plane. Narratively, it’s also a nice payoff from an anecdote about the plane and the culture of Frigis explained to us at the beginning of the film.
Second, Yor Forger gets to slay like the queen she is. The Thorn Princess takes on a Marvel-esque super soldier villain, Type F, inside of a flaming airship. It’s not a good idea to bring a knife to a gunfight, so Yor uses some unorthodox methods to win. Like the plane, this was something set up earlier in the movie and the payoff is amazing.
Finally, Loid gets a beautifully and creatively animated one-on-one, close combat sequence. After revealing who Loid disguised himself as, we’re treated to a color-coded combat scene. Not only does it help differentiate the original from the impostor, but it allows us to watch Loid – undisguised – live up to the Twilight legacy.
Outside of the action scenes, there’s about five minutes featuring a complete animation style change, reminiscent of the first Spy X Family outro. Be prepared to be confused, amused, and maybe a little grossed out.
Voice Acting & Casting: 7/10
NOTE: this section will apply solely to the dub cast and as such, will include consideration of the localization.
All of the voice actors involved with the anime reprise their roles for Spy X Family CODE: White. Alex Organ, Natalie van Sistine, Megan Shipman, and Tyler Walker return as Loid Forger, Yor Briar-Forger, Anya Forger, and Bond Forger, respectively. All of the recurring supporting cast from the anime make appearances as well, helping the film lend itself to familiarity with the anime fans. Hearing everyone as they are in the anime feels special, like we’re also celebrating the fact that these voice actors get to be featured in a theatrical production. It’s for good reason: they know their characters.
Alex Organ has fantastic comedic timing and delivery, especially when it comes to Loid’s more deadpan humor. “They’re not moving, Anya,” and “Like a speeding bullet…” are Loid’s funniest lines and Organ nails it.
Natalie van Sistine flawlessly slips between Yor and the Thorn Princess – her standout scenes include Yor protecting Anya on the train and Yor’s battle with Type F.
Megan Shipman has one of the hardest jobs in the cast: making Anya sound like a young kid without making her grating or annoying. Just as she does in the anime, Shipman lets Anya steal every scene she’s in, and flips well between comedy and Anya’s more serious scenes.
Newcomers include Colonel Snidel (John Swasey), Domitri (Phil Parsons), and Luca (Tyson Rinehart). Snidel acts as the bloodthirsty big bad while Domitri and Luca function as his pawns. All three fit right in with the rest of the cast.
Plot & Characters: 6/10
Spy X Family CODE: White was developed as a story outside of the main plot of the core series. Tatsuya Endo was involved in supervising the project, with the anime writers taking the helm on the script. The characters are true to themselves, making for some laugh-out-loud comedy with their internal dialogues and misunderstandings.
However, if you’re here for plot, you won’t get much. The film has very little impact on the anime and manga, and it’s unclear as to where this falls in the main story’s timeline. The plot is convoluted, but it’s exactly what you should expect from Spy X Family. Even so, it leaves you wanting for slightly higher, less ambiguous stakes. Also, Yuri Briar makes an appearance when he really isn’t needed in the film. While he’s the only character that feels out of place, his two scenes feel a bit jarring compared to how well Handler and Agent Nightfall fit into the story.
That said, you should see this film for the Forgers rather than the plot. If you want a fun family “ooting” with the Forgers, then that’s what you’ll get. Plus, it should help scratch that Spy X Family itch while you wait for Season 3.
Adherence to the Anime’s Tone: 10/10
Honestly, it’s perfect. If you liked the Lorelei arc, then you’ll love CODE: White. The film digs its heels into the aspects of Spy X Family that work so well: combining memorable action scenes with comedic misunderstandings. Comedic highlights include the 3 Signs of Infidelity, Agent Nightfall internally simping for Agent Twilight, and Yor punching Loid during Golden Hour (sunrise/sunset lighting) on a Ferris wheel while Loid waxes poetic about his grenade pin promise.
Spy X Family CODE: White fits seamlessly with the anime, making for a smooth viewing experience for anime fans. It feels like Spy X Family without dipping too far into fan service or removing itself entirely from the anime in the name of welcoming new fans to the series. Like many other reviewers have said, this is a great entry point for new viewers.
One really nice touch that the film does better than the anime is “Show Don’t Tell.” With Anya’s telepathy, we almost always get a glimpse into what Loid and Yor think about her. There’s a great moment near the end of the film where Anya’s little magic telepathy sparkles and sound effects pop up, but we don’t hear what Loid is thinking. All we know is that whatever it is made Anya happy. Letting the audience imagine what Loid was thinking is not only a smart storytelling practice, but makes the moment that much better.
Overall "Spy X Family Code: White" Review: 8/10
Objectively, this movie isn’t winning any awards. Even at the climax, there is very little tension to be had, detracting a bit from the emotional impact of the stellar action sequences. Additionally, the importance of Operation Strix and Loid’s character development in relation to the Forger family may be lost on first time viewers. It’s a disservice to how much he’s changed, but also impacts some of the humor in his thought process.
That being said, this is absolutely a Spy X Family movie. Any fans will immediately feel at home returning to the Cold War between Westalis and Ostania, especially when the main theme starts within the first ten minutes of the film. It’s a delightful, cozy experience that truly shows how much the Forgers care for each other, even though they’re supposed to be a fake family. Spy X Family CODE: White has its heart in the right place.
Spy X Family CODE: White is currently in theaters. After its theatrical run, it will be available to stream on Crunchyroll.
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