When Asuna debuted in the second episode of Sword Art Online, voiced by Cherami Leigh in English, she was a refreshing subversion of the stereotypical “token girl.” As a highly skilled fencer, Asuna quickly established herself as Kirito’s equal, if not superior, in combat. Bryce Papenbrook voiced Kirito in English. She embodied a captivating blend of power and grace, kindness and mystery, making her a character viewers were eager to explore further. However, Sword Art Online Progressive: Scherzo of Deep Night seems to transform Asuna into someone almost unrecognizable, a move that feels like a significant regression for both her character and the Sword Art Online franchise itself.
Scherzo of Deep Night serves as a retelling of the original Sword Art Online narrative, but this time from Asuna’s perspective. Because of this approach, it’s definitely not the ideal entry point for newcomers to the series. However, for those already invested in the world and its key players, it offers an alternate and potentially interesting perspective. The preceding film, Aria of a Starless Night, introduced Asuna as a carefree yet academically driven middle school student who ventured into Sword Art Online primarily to game alongside her real-life friend, Misumi, voiced by Anairis Quinones. This was a welcome change for a series that has historically positioned Asuna as secondary to Kirito, often confining her to the role of the “girl adventurer.” Aria of a Starless Night‘s unique approach to developing Asuna’s backstory was genuinely appreciated.
However, Scherzo of Deep Night unfortunately doesn’t build upon this promising foundation. Instead of deepening the appreciation for Asuna and the core characters, the movie largely frustrates, primarily due to Asuna’s perplexing character evolution into one of the film’s most irritating aspects. The narrative itself is already established; Asuna and Kirito have successfully navigated the first four floors of Aincrad, overcoming enemies and boss encounters. Now, they are poised to conquer the fifth floor. This pre-set storyline should have provided ample opportunity to delve into Asuna’s character as she and Kirito strive for freedom. Yet, the more the movie unfolds, the less appealing Asuna becomes.
We witness Asuna’s growing admiration for Kirito, but simultaneously observe the weakening of her friendship with Misumi. Fortunately, the introduction of Argo, voiced by Kimberley Anne Campbell, and her burgeoning friendship with Asuna offers a healthier and more compelling dynamic. In a series where Asuna has often been relegated to the damsel-in-distress trope, particularly in earlier seasons, seeing her assert herself should be a positive development.
However, Asuna’s personality shifts dramatically throughout Scherzo of Deep Night. She oscillates between different personas, becoming almost unrecognizable from one scene to the next. For instance, she inexplicably develops a severe fear of ghosts and frequently becomes flustered and awkward in Kirito’s presence. This portrayal is a stark contrast to the original Sword Art Online’s Asuna, as viewed through Kirito’s eyes. In Scherzo, she transforms into a character who is often grating, whiny, and even occasionally mean-spirited.
This inconsistent characterization makes it challenging to genuinely invest in Asuna’s struggles. The “original” Asuna was quietly determined, kind, and inherently easy to root for. The attempts to make Asuna relatable as a “regular” teenage girl feel weak and unconvincing. These personality alterations seem particularly jarring and unnecessary, especially considering that in the previous movie, Aria of a Starless Night, Asuna demonstrated remarkable resilience and competence when facing life-threatening situations.
Ultimately, this sequel barely progresses the narrative established in Aria of a Starless Night. Instead, it largely retreads familiar ground, presenting what feels like a repetition of the same story: the group of adventurers progresses through another level of Aincrad and defeats the floor boss. This predictable structure offers few surprises, and there’s no real sense of closure. It’s hardly a spoiler to reveal that escape from Sword Art Online remains elusive, leaving the door wide open for yet another sequel.
While the ongoing rivalry between Kirito and Mito provides some genuinely engaging moments and injects much-needed excitement into what is otherwise a somewhat bland adventure, it’s not enough to salvage the entire movie. Sword Art Online Progressive: Scherzo of Deep Night isn’t entirely without merit, but it’s difficult to shake off the disappointment stemming from Asuna’s character regressing into a mere shadow of her former self.
