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First time writing a review, might add more stuff as I think about it more.

People's expectations of romance anime probably consists of: frequent kisses, deep monologues of the meaning of love, and "will they or won't they". Adachi and Shimamura is closer to a friendship/romance than a full blown yuri anime where kisses every episode are expected from the audience and anything less than a confession of love is written as "going nowhere". It's content to take its time and allow the characters to move about the story without some drama to force them forward. Their progress is minute, but it is there.

The direction is ... sublime without resorting to unneeded drama. The struggles happen internally, both girls know how they feel about each other, one fully aware of it, the other refusing to accept it. It doesn't need over the top drama to be engaging, their monologues are well-written and conveyed in a way that doesn't make light of it. No tonal whiplash as it goes for a one and done joke. They talk like awkward friends would. The shot composition and use of colors is great, often when coalesce their thoughts, it's framed beautifully that shows how hard it is for these characters to make friends, but it's never done in a way that feels melodramatic. They accept reality as it is.

Adachi and Shimamura succeeds at showing the struggles of breaking out of your own shell and the fear of the future. It's glacial but always engaging, and endearing without being saccharine and treating the audience like they don't know what love is. If you came expecting a kiss or confession, then you will be disappointed but I struggle to find romance anime that captures teenage awkwardness that feels empathetic rather than pedantic, allowing quiet moments to make the biggest splash.