Bocchi the Rock! turned a simple premise—socially anxious girl joins a band—into 2022’s most creatively animated comedy. CloverWorks delivered visual experimentation that made anxiety genuinely funny rather than cringe-inducing.
The Bocchi Experience
Hitori Gotoh (“Bocchi”) is catastrophically socially anxious but plays guitar beautifully. Her journey from bedroom guitarist to live performer is small in scope but massive in personal stakes. Every conversation is boss battle.
Making Anxiety Visual
The animation represents Bocchi’s internal state through constant style shifts: claymation during meltdowns, impressionist painting during performances, stick figures during dissociation. This creativity makes her anxiety accessible rather than alienating.
The Band
Kessoku Band’s four members represent different relationship dynamics with music. Nijika’s enthusiasm, Ryo’s cool detachment, and Kita’s normalcy contrast Bocchi’s intensity. They’re a functioning friend group—something Bocchi never had.
Music Quality
The original songs are genuinely good. “Guitar to Kodoku to Aoi Hoshi” and other tracks work as standalone music while serving character moments. The live performances feel like live performances—energy and imperfection included.
Why It Resonates
Bocchi speaks to anyone who’s felt too weird, too anxious, too trapped inside themselves. Her small victories feel enormous because we understand the effort. Social competence isn’t given—it’s fought for.
Verdict
9/10 – Bocchi the Rock! is comedy with genuine emotional core, animated with wild creativity that justifies every frame. It’s accessible to non-music fans while rewarding those who catch the references. Best CGDCT of its year, possibly its decade.