Episode 4 of BanG Dream! Ave Mujica, titled “Acta est Fabula” (The Play is Over), premiered on January 23, 2025, and has left viewers reeling. This installment takes a sharp turn into psychological horror, solidifying its place as arguably the most unsettling episode in the entire BanG Dream! franchise. The episode, produced by Studio SANZIGEN, masterfully blends suspense, drama, and a chilling exploration of identity, particularly regarding the character of Mutsumi Wakaba.
The Mask Slips: Mutsumi’s Transformation
The episode picks up in the aftermath of Mutsumi’s sudden personality change. Initially, this shift seems to unify the band, quelling rumors of discord and possible disbandment. Mutsumi, now acting with an assertive and unnervingly cheerful persona referred to as “Mortis”, takes charge during interviews and other public appearances. Her newfound confidence and proactive attitude impress even the cynical Nyamu. However, this facade of harmony masks a deeply disturbing truth.
A Shocking Revelation
Sakiko Togawa, the band’s leader, remains uneasy with Mutsumi’s transformation. In a private conversation, she confronts Mutsumi, questioning why she would abandon her previous, more reserved personality. Mutsumi then reveals a shocking secret: her new persona, “Mortis”, is a separate identity, a result of a split personality. This revelation unveils a mental health condition, transforming Mutsumi into a character embodying chaos and harmony.
This isn’t just a simple character change. The writers have meticulously crafted Mutsumi’s descent, making her transformation both captivating and terrifying. Yuzuki Watase’s voice acting is especially noteworthy, powerfully conveying the character’s complex emotions, tonal shifts, and the sheer intensity of her new persona.
Cracks in the Facade: Band Dynamics Unravel
The truth about Mutsumi sends shockwaves through the band, threatening to shatter their already fragile dynamic.
Sakiko’s Vulnerability
For the first time, Sakiko appears helpless and vulnerable. Her vision for Ave Mujica, which was built on carefully orchestrated artifice, begins to crumble. She is visibly frustrated, struggling to maintain control as “Mortis” seemingly takes over. Her daggers stares at “Mortis” during a TV interview highlights her growing unease with the situation and the control she is losing over the group’s image.
Nyamu’s Frustration and a Shocking Suggestion
Nyamu, who initially seemed impressed with the changes, grows increasingly frustrated. She feels left behind, both in terms of attention and talent. This culminates in a heated argument where Nyamu confronts Mutsumi about her reasons for joining the band in the first place. Nyamu even makes a shocking suggestion, which is met with resistance from Sakiko, further fracturing the group.
The Threat to the Live Show
The band’s upcoming live show faces potential cancellation when Mutsumi declares she can no longer play the guitar, an essential part of their performance. The band struggles to find a replacement, and “Mortis” claims she will handle everything and promises to deliver a performance that will please the audience. The band’s focus has shifted away from playing music and more towards maintaining appearances, a fact that is causing serious problems.
Psychological Horror: More Than Just Jump Scares
Episode 4 eschews cheap jump scares, instead delving into the unsettling realm of psychological horror. Mutsumi’s split personality is executed masterfully, creating a deeply unnerving experience for the viewer. The episode establishes the band’s dynamic as less of a friendship and more of a business relationship, with the characters being described as “performers hired to do a job.” Each character is dealing with their own personal issues, which are now being exacerbated by Mutsumi’s split personality, with Mortis’ “defense mechanism” further complicating the matter.
The Band’s Identity Crisis
The transformation of Mutsumi into “Mortis” has warped the band’s identity. The focus has shifted from music to maintaining an image, leaving the band with little time to rehearse. The once edgy essence of Ave Mujica is gone, replaced by a chaotic energy that doesn’t quite fit. The question arises, will Ave Mujica continue as a band, or will they be destroyed by their own internal conflicts?
A Cliffhanger Ending
The episode concludes on a tense note, with the band’s performance beginning. The ending reveals shocking news about the band’s future while Mutsumi struggles to accept her outcome. This leaves the audience in suspense, wondering if this is a genuine disbandment, or a temporary setback.
Overall Impression
Episode 4 of Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast is a significant turning point in the series. The episode uses drama and psychological horror to explore the complexities of its characters and the band’s unstable dynamic. The animation, voice acting, and storytelling are all top-notch, making for a truly captivating and intense experience. The episode’s ability to unsettle without resorting to cheap tactics makes it one of the most memorable installments in the BanG Dream! franchise. It will be interesting to see if the band will be able to rebuild after these events or continue their descent down a path of conflict.
