English Dub Review: Vermeil in Gold: “Past”

Overview: Alto (Mike Haimoto) journeys through Vermeil’s (Monica Rial) heart-wrenching past life as the scars it spawned are revealed. 

Our Take: Vermeil’s past is every bit the horrific tragedy it was always teased to be. However, before that it is endearing to see Vermeil’s lifestyle in the poor orphanage she used to live in and how, despite the circumstances, there was always an abundance of warmth to fill up on. Her adorably boisterous and caring personality makes her dynamic with her foster family a joy. There is also still a looming mystery in who her real parents are and where exactly she comes from.

The heartfelt throughline is how her older step-sisters love and accept her no matter if she is a demon, especially when others lash out. The sentiment is especially impactful when taken into consideration the sister’s religious holy religious beliefs. Unfortunately, the greatest evil that ruins the bright family is that of ignorance. It is an effective plot device that shows how people’s misfortune informs their viewpoint on demons creating a despicable evil and close-minded town mob. 

The villagers are reminiscent of disgruntled ones during that of the Salem witch trials, committing disgusting atrocities, due to painfully stupid and misguided reasoning. They are brought to life in equally vile form in their devilishly shadowy presence they are stylized with, but most importantly in going beyond the pale in hanging Vermeil’s family in a deeply unsettling and tragic end for them. Most importantly, it lends justification for her absolute carnage, especially in being a child and in the terrible emotional state she was in when committing it.

Alto fully embracing her and appreciating the trauma she has been subjected to is a beautiful moment of acceptance in him agreeing to stay by her side no matter what. Their tender moment brings them together in a more genuine way than stuffing his face in her breasts ever could, making for a strong emotional connection leading into their continued battle against Iolite.