Synopsis
Continues the story of Aria the Crepuscolo
Anya Dostoyevskaya, a trainee Undine at the Orange Company, becomes disheartened after discovering that her gondolier mentor, Alice Carroll, has been neglecting her own former mentor, Athena Glory. Athena, who once worked as an Undine and now performs as an opera singer, has been trying to arrange a meeting with Alice, but Alice appears to be avoiding her for reasons that are unclear. To help resolve this situation, Anya joins forces with her fellow Undine colleagues, Ai Aino and Azusa B. McLaren. As the three work to bring Alice and Athena back together, Anya begins to understand the feelings of her seniors, which may hold the key to healing their unresolved rift.
In this installment
In "Aria the Benedizione," Aika S. Granzchesta, the chosen successor and head of the Himeya Company—an Undine guild made up of female gondoliers—shocks everyone by declining to inherit the organization's celebrated gondola, going against custom. Her pupil, Azusa B. McLaren, confused by this surprising move, questions Aika but learns nothing. Seeking clarity, Azusa and other Undines organize a secret gathering with Aika. As the anticipated winter season arrives, bringing calm and splendor to Neo-Venezia, Aika reflects on her path as an Undine and the deep influence it has had on her. Thinking back on precious moments from the past, Aika feels those memories will continue to steer her toward an uncertain but bright future.
Background
To commemorate the release of Aria the Benedizione, an exhibition called ARIA The MEMORIA: Neo-Venezia International Film Festival was held in Yokohama from August 26, 2021 to September 12, 2021. The film was released on Blu-ray in Japan on August 24, 2022.
