We’ve seen a rise in anime films getting wide releases the past few years. In addition to more of these films, we’ve seen them be a hit with domestic Box Office audiences. Many of them draw from rich source material which helps give them an added boost at the Box Office.

That’s the case for All You Need is Kill, a new anime-style film that is releasing Friday in theaters. It is based on the popular Manga title of the same name, which gives it a built-in audience. It also settles on a story in a genre that will appeal to a wide audience, making it a fun addition to the January cinematic landscape.

The film is set in a near future where Rita (Ai Mikami) is part of a defense force that is working on an alien plant that has crashed in the area. They are studying it and cleaning it up. The day begins like any other, but soon the plan blooms, sending out fierce creatures that attack. Rita tries to run but is killed.

Except that she wakes up and repeats the day. At first, it seems like déjà vu. But when things play out the same way, ending in an attack and a futile attempt at escape, she realizes she’s caught in a loop. Rita first tries to warn others, who don’t believe her. Then, she tries to find a way to win. But it seems hopeless, at first.

After nearly a hundred cycles, she comes across Keiji (Natsuki Hanae), another young recruit who is caught in the same cycle. Finding someone she can confide in; Rita and Keiji begin to plan a way to defeat the attack. They also discover their link to the alien plant and why it has caused them to get caught in this loop.

Can they find a way to defeat the enemy and break the cycle before it’s too late?

This is a tried-and-true science fiction formula. We’ve seen the alien attacks and even seen it enmeshed in a time loop construct. That gives this a familiar feel, even if you aren’t a fan of the source text. That helps this story connect and feel more accessible to a wider audience right from the jump.

And what you’re rewarded with is a story, characters, and a world that’s fun. The film is opening in both a dubbed and subtitled version. I watched with subtitles and enjoyed the original audio for the story. I liked the characters and the journey, and I liked that it clocks in at just 85 minutes, making it a quick journey.

It helps, too, that the visuals are stunning. The creature, the world, and the use of color all works well. This is the kind of visuals that pop off the screen, making this a unique and compelling visual journey.

There are points in time where the structure of the time loop feels a bit repetitive. I also didn’t fully follow how Rita and Keiji were connected to the aliens, and how exactly they severed the connection. The ending ends up a touch rushed as a result. But, overall, I had a lot of fun with this. If you’re a fan of the genre, it’s worth checking out as one of the first fun animated releases of the year.

All You Need is Kill opens in theaters on Friday, January 16.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.