Flip Flappers ep 4. This is essentially the
Eva DDR ep.
The show emphasises that “matching feelings” is an important in-universe mechanic. Since Pure Illusion echoes the character’s personal world, the scientists must mean that they have understand their own feelings.
I liked that the changes to Cocona are small, that she doesn’t just completely change all at once. She still foists her anxieties onto others, still fusses about small details, avoids the confrontation with Yayaka.
While they didn’t really go into Pure Illusion this ep, they spent time in Papika’s world all the same. The first day reinforces what we already know about the two; Papika runs on instinct and second-guesses nothing, Cocona being more academic and thoughtful. Cocona sneaking out tht first night was interesting, I couldn’t quite tell what she was thinking. Maybe she didn’t know what to think either.
On the second day, Cocona is drawn further into Papika’s world and begins to lose control. I particularly love this shot, emphasizing the dark and towering world around her.
She tries to mimic Papika’s confidence, but she can’t do what Papika does. People can’t change that easily or that quickly.
Papika showed some real competence in the second half. She tugged on the vine to test its strength (visual storytelling), she knows what’s good to eat even if she can’t name it. Papika is reckless, but she does learn from her mistakes. Her behavior makes sense, even if it’s antithetical to Cocona’s way of engaging the world. My opinion of her went up here.
Seeing Papika in this way made Cocona confront her own weaknesses, but of course Papika doesn’t let her be sad for long. Papika vouching for her friend wasn’t super convincing, but it was honest, and it made Cocona smile. They’re so fucking good for each other.