How Grotesqqque Turns One Creator’s Unfiltered Imagination Into an Anime Anthology
Atsushi Nishigori, an accomplished anime director with a career spanning influential studios, is stepping into a new creative role with Grotesqqque, an upcoming anthology film from CloverWorks arriving in November.
Nishigori has built an impressive résumé working behind the scenes at some of anime’s most celebrated institutions. His tenure at the legendary Gainax studio placed him alongside visionary directors like Hiroyuki Imaishi and Kazuya Tsurumaki, contributing to culturally significant works including FLCL and Neon Genesis Evangelion. Beyond Gainax, Nishigori’s credits include contributions to The Idolmaster, Darling in the Franxx, and Shin Evangelion, establishing him as a respected figure in the anime industry.
Despite his prolific work on acclaimed projects, Nishigori has harbored personal creative aspirations beyond the collaborative constraints of existing franchises. Grotesqqque represents an opportunity to realize his unfiltered vision. The anthology format allows the director to present three distinct, wildly different stories, each showcasing different aspects of his imagination.
The project emphasizes a visual-first approach to animation, prioritizing stunning imagery and animation direction—areas where Nishigori has consistently demonstrated expertise. CloverWorks’ backing gives Nishigori considerable creative freedom to experiment without the constraints typical of work on established properties. The film signals a significant transition for Nishigori, marking the shift from supporting roles within industry juggernauts to leading his own artistic endeavor.