I don't think I've ever seen an animation like that before. Besides Akira.
It really blew me away. The whole movie felt like a surreal dream. Abstract, disturbing, violent, but beautiful.
It's also very isolating and desolate compared to the series. All of the "life" and "energy", interactions, and community are completly gone. Everyone is detached, seperate, disillusioned, and on their own path. Shinji's friends, long gone. Even Pen Pen is no longer around (other than the kitchen scene)
Funny how drastically different the tone is in this film compared to the early episodes of the show. Well, I guess the last several episodes of the show made this shift clear. But still, the movie overall feels much more bleak and cynical.
There are many scenes, shots, and moments that I just cannot explain the feeling it evoked.
A few of them being:
Shinji sitting in the cockpit head down, silent, and still while you hear the machine hum in the background.
The Eva tweaking when Shinji screams as he witnesses Asuka's carcass. Followed by the Lance appearing out of nowhere. Then silence...
When Unit 01 bursts out of Rei's eye and looking at the camers with its white glowing eyes.
Shinji screaming as the Eva screams while its core opens up.
The opera-esque singing when Instrumentality ritual kicks off.
It almost feels like a borderline psychological horror film, but I do not believe that is the right genre to describe it.
Anyways, I dig the movie. Watched it 2 more times after, to understand the parts of the plot better . And though I am not depressed, it did affect my mood and state of mind a little. But I guess that what good art is supposed to do. 9/10 film.