If you’ve just watched The End Of Evangelion for the first time (or maybe even the third), you might be wondering what the hell actually happened! Whilst the anime series was no stranger to themes of introspection and existentialism, TEOE cranks this to ten.
Human Instrumentality, SEELE and Lilith
Before we get begin looking too deep into the plot of the film itself, it’s important to establish some of the foundational concepts and figures presented throughout:
SEELE
SEELE is a secret organization comprised of powerful individuals who operate behind the scenes, pulling the strings of world events to achieve their own mysterious objectives. Throughout the series and movie, SEELE’s motives and true nature remain shrouded in secrecy, adding to their enigmatic presence and the sense of intrigue surrounding their actions.
The Human Instrumentality Project
The Human Instrumentality Project is a plan devised by SEELE to initiate a process of human evolution or transcendence. The ultimate goal of Instrumentality is to dissolve the barriers between individual human beings, merging their souls into a single, unified consciousness. This process is depicted as a metaphysical event that would fundamentally alter the nature of existence, offering humanity a chance to escape the pain and loneliness of individuality. SEELE believe that where the human race will inevitably fail in the future, the Evas have the ability to exist indefinitely.
Lilith and Rei
Lilith is essentially the mother figure of humanity. She’s an ancient and powerful being who’s central to the story’s mythology. We first see Lilith housed within Terminal Dogma, a top-secret facility located deep beneath NERV headquarters in Tokyo-3. In the anime we learn that Rei is a clone created from the genetic material of both Yui Ikari and Lilith.
The End Of Evangelion
Beginning
At the start of the movie, we find Shinji Ikari in a state of emotional turmoil. He’s grappling with profound feelings of loneliness, self-doubt, and confusion. The world around him is descending into chaos as the secret organization SEELE moves forward with its enigmatic plan known as the Human Instrumentality Project.
Asuka’s Battle
Asuka engages in a brutal battle against a horde of Mass Production Evangelions, which are essentially clones of the Evas. These Mass Production units are sent by SEELE to eliminate any opposition to their plans. Despite her skill, Asuka is ultimately defeated, her Eva savagely torn apart, leaving her physically and mentally broken.
Misato’s Sacrifice
As NERV headquarters are inflitrated by SEELE, Misato makes a last-ditch effort to protect Shinji from the impending cataclysm. In a poignant moment, she sacrifices herself to save Shinji, imparting some final words of wisdom and encouragement. Her death serves as a catalyst for Shinji’s introspection and growth throughout the film.
Rei’s Transformation
Rei Ayanami, undergoes a profound transformation. Rei’s merger with Lilith serves as the catalyst for the initiation of Instrumentality. This event triggers a series of surreal and mind-bending occurrences, blurring the lines between individual consciousness and leading to the dissolution of reality as humanity knows it.
Shinji’s Breakdown
Shinji’s psyche is profoundly shaken by the events unfolding around him. He’s thrust into a nightmarish landscape where reality and illusion intertwine, forcing him to confront his deepest fears and insecurities. Throughout the film, Shinji struggles to find meaning and purpose amidst the chaos, often descending into a state of despair and hopelessness.
Instrumentality Begins
As SEELE’s plan for Instrumentality reaches its climax, the very fabric of reality seems to unravel. Individual identities dissolve as human souls merge into a collective consciousness. Shinji finds himself caught in the midst of this existential maelstrom, grappling with the fundamental questions of existence and the nature of self. Whilst the Instrumentality progresses, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. It’s a pivotal moment in the story where the future of the human race is at stake. Will humanity transcend its individual limitations and achieve a higher state of existence, or will it be consumed by its own collective consciousness?
Shinji’s Moment of Clarity
In a moment of clarity, Shinji makes a bold choice. He rejects the false promise of unity offered by Instrumentality and embraces his individuality, along with all the pain and suffering that comes with it. It’s a cathartic moment of self-realization for Shinji as he comes to terms with his own identity and humanity’s inherent flaws.
The End
The film concludes with Shinji and Asuka, the two remaining individuals in a world that’s been forever changed by the events of Instrumentality. Their final interaction is laden with ambiguity and symbolism, leaving audiences to ponder the implications of their relationship and the uncertain future that lies ahead.
The End of Evangelion is a dense and thought-provoking film that delves into themes of existentialism, identity, and the nature of reality. It’s a challenging and often perplexing work of art that rewards multiple viewings and deep analysis.
