If you enjoyed the main TV series for Violet Evergarden, you might be wondering if this side movie is worth your time. This movie felt like something close to two OVAs jammed together.
The first one focused on Isabella, where Violet gets assigned to tutor her. What we see is that Isabella wasn’t always part of the nobility, but it wasn’t until after she took in Taylor as her little sister that she was taken to the nobility to ensure Taylor would be able to live in a safe enough environment. The pacing in this part is awkward because it takes a while to learn about Isabella. By the time we learn this, Violet and Isabella part ways.
This part is not bad by any means, but it takes a while to get going, so the pacing feels off. Since by the time you start getting invested in Isabella’s character, she leaves. Though Violet offering to write a letter from Isabella to Taylor is where the connection between these two and Violet is created.
The 2nd part of the story is the highlight of the film that focuses on Taylor. She lives in an orphanage now, and you wonder if she is happier. Her living conditions are better, but she no longer is with the sister she loves. That letter is what pushes Talor to want to deliver letters, given the happiness she received from them.
Taylor and Violet’s relationship is the true strength of this movie. She takes in Taylor and aids her in her desire to be a mail carrier. As she also aids her in reading and writing. She guides Taylor in very much the same way that Gilbert guided her. She guides Taylor to create the letter back to Isabella. It showcases the emotional growth Violet went through in the main series. Taylor seeing Isabella again creates a remarkable emotional high. I think if the pacing was better in the first part, this could have been elevated even more.
This movie had the most focus on Benedict, and it is not anything out of this world. But he does the job of giving Taylor something to strive for, even with her background. Plus, he is pretty likable with a good heart.
Production-wise, this looks notably better than the main series. Given it’s a movie, this shouldn’t be a surprise. Though I would comment the music direction isn’t as on point as it was in the main series. But it is still fantastic.
If you enjoyed or loved the TV series Violet Evergarden, then you will very likely enjoy or love it. Though I would say not to set your expectations as high as the TV series. As mentioned, there are slight pacing issues. Also, to note, this story isn’t about Violet, but she still plays a notable role, and it is a natural progression from her time in the main TV series.