Spy × Family Code: White is an anime spy comedy directed by Ichirō Ōkouchi and based on the manga by Tatsuya Endo. It was produced by the Japanese animation studios CloverWorks and Wit Studio with Toho distributing it.

Westalis secret agent Twilight (Alex Organ) returns from a mission to learn from the Handler (Stephanie Young) that Operation Strix, his infiltration of rival nation Ostania by using a fake family is in jeopardy. Returning home, his fake wife Yor (Natalie Van Sistine) who, unknown to him is the assassin Thorn Princess, his secretly telepathic daughter Anya (Megan Shipman), and future-telling dog Bond (Tyler Walker) await him. Deciding that if Anya wins a cooking award at her prestigious school Eden College, they head North to learn the recipe for a dessert that the school principal loves. On the train ride, Anya devours a chocolate candy that hides a secret microfilm. The villainous Colonel Snidel (John Swasey) learns of this and sends his men to snag Anya.

I will be honest, this anime flick felt more like a TV movie than a feature film. I cannot explain it. Perhaps because there were a lot of plot conveniences, such as just happening to go to a restaurant with a ready-to-fly plane. Random scenes came from nowhere, like when Anya has a vision while trying to hold her bladder. There are nonsensical cameos like Yor’s brother, voiced by Dallas Reid, appearing. Many characters were introduced briefly only to disappear without explanation, like Agent Nightfall, voiced by Lindsay Seidel. She seems only to appear to help Twilight and then vanishes.

That being said, if you are a fan of the anime or manga, I genuinely believe that you will have a good time with this movie. Loid is just as oblivious to his wife’s profession and vice versa, making up for some pretty funny and awkward moments. Like in the show, they seem content with their sham marriage although it is hinted that Yor seems to want more, especially after hearing her co-workers talk about their significant others.

The comedy was also well-timed. A lot of it comes from Anya trying to manipulate things which has some dire consequences for all parties involved. It also relies on the stupidity of some of the enemies who make some pretty funny decisions thanks to the elite skills of Twilight and Thorn Princess. It was similar to the show in tone and it hit every mark.

As for the animation, it is sublime. Wit Studio brought us the first season of such shows as the first season Vinland Saga and CloverWorks produced Fairy Tail, so it is cool to see them work together for this film. They have been collaborating on this show since its inception and they continue to up the ante with their talent. The action keeps you hooked and you are in for a thrill ride.

Bottom line, Spy × Family Code: White is a fun anime spy comedy for fans of the show, but I think fans of the genre will have a good time too.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Brief strong language, Suggestive themes, Some bloody violence

FAVORITE QUOTE: Making a world where kids don’t need to cry … That was the whole reason I became a spy in the first place.

Check out the trailer below:

This review is based on the dub by Crunchyroll.

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