Noir is the story of two women sharing a dark past, a murderous destiny, and a bed. It’s the anime combination of La Femme Nakita and Leon the Professional. Like, if Matilda knocked on Nakita’s door after her parents were murdered, instead of Leon’s.
In France, Mireille Bouquet lives a solitary life as a hitman until she receives an email from a stranger claiming to hold the key to her past. Mireille’s family was gunned down when she was a child and it has been her life's mission to find out who is responsible. She teams up with Kirika, a Japanese girl with deadly skills, but no memories. Together they call themselves Noir, working as assassins and taking jobs that slowly bring them closer to an organization, Les Soldats, who likely know their truth.
Does it make sense?
It is sensical enough I suppose. You can follow all the threads that get Mireille and Kirika to the end of their journey. Despite all the mafia dealings, powerful old organizations, and dueling ideas about the role of Noir, the heart of the story is the relationship between Mireille and Kirika. The show acknowledges that, for Noir (which we learn is a historically female assassin team groomed and wielded by Les Soldats) to flourish, the bond between the two must be strong. One of the central conflicts is the gruesome and isolating grooming process to create Noir, of which Mireille and Kirika fall victim.
Explaining Les Soldats and Noir, what they stand for and are trying to achieve, is best done in broad strokes. The philosophies of Altena, the high priestess member of Les Soldats and true antagonist, are also a bit muddled. She does a lot of pontificating on death and the ancient rights to wield it, yada yada yada. Even the members of Les Soldats think she is a bit extreme.
Is it queer?
You could argue that Noir is queer if you wanted. Most queer folks would call them girlfriends; I’d put them in the Xena and Gabrielle roommates-for-life-category. As I mentioned, their relationship is the crux of the story. Mireille, a loner, finds someone she is willing to share her life with. Kirika, a girl with no past, finds the place she belongs with Mireille.
What makes it great?
My biggest takeaway is the incredible soundtrack by Yuki Kajiura. She has a recognizable style, notably composing the music for Puella Magi Madoka Magica. For many, this will be their first introduction to her epic melodies. Her music helps create the French atmosphere.
The relationship between the two leads is the other main draw. Mireille starts their relationship vowing to kill Kirika when their mission is complete but, as they grow closer, that promise becomes less of a threat and more of an “as you wish.”
What doesn’t work?
Noir is not a show for binging, 2-3 episodes per sitting is a solid recommendation. This is especially true in the first half, when it is more hit job of the day. And hopefully you love that Yuki Kajiura soundtrack because you’re going to hear Canta Per Me a lot.
Another distraction comes in the form of Lady Silvana Greone, AKA “Intoccabile.” While her two-part episode is rather good, the characters keep referring to her by her title, an Italian word that means roughly “Untouchable.” It evokes a kind of embarrassment that you feel, even when watching alone.
Also, the animation isn’t that great. It was made in the early 2000s and shows a bit of age. It has some very notable off-model moments, but at the end of the day, it gets the job done.
Is it satisfying?
For sure! We don’t get all the answers but, likely, you won’t care as our gal pals get a worthy end to their journey.
-Julia