Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance

As the Third Angel breaks free from its confinement at NERV’s Arctic stronghold, Bethany Base, the scene is set for the emergence of a new pilot: Mari Illustrious Makinami. Commanding the Evangelion Provisional Unit-05, she valiantly confronts this rogue entity, ultimately resorting to a self-destruct sequence for her EVA, making a daring escape just in time.

In a poignant moment of reflection, Shinji Ikari (Shinji) and his father Gendo (Gendo) visit the grave of Yui, the mother and wife they both cherished deeply. Their solemn moment is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of the Seventh Angel, which is swiftly eliminated by Evangelion Unit-02, piloted with unyielding resolve by Asuka Langley Shikinami (Asuka). Simultaneously, Ryoji Kaji presents Gendo with a mysterious suitcase holding the elusive “Key of Nebuchadnezzar,” stating cryptically that the destruction of Unit-05 had proceeded exactly as anticipated.

Gendo and his loyal aide, Kozo Fuyutsuki, venture to NERV’s lunar compound, Tabgha Base, where they glimpse the development of Evangelion Mark.06, an EVA that stands apart from all others. Although they are denied permission to land, they catch sight of Kaworu Nagisa (Kaworu) adrift in space, creating an unexpectedly striking visual. During Gendo’s absence, the Eighth Angel makes a sudden attack on Tokyo-3, prompting Shinji, Asuka, and Rei to hastily formulate a strategy under the guidance of Misato Katsuragi (Misato). The ensuing conflict leaves both Unit-00 and Unit-01 battered and in need of repair.

Upon returning, Gendo urges SEELE to expedite the repairs on both Evas; however, they only agree to fix Unit-01, leaving Unit-00 neglected. In an effort to mend the rift between Gendo and Shinji, Rei organizes a heartfelt dinner gathering. Meanwhile, Mari arrives in Tokyo-3, setting the stage for unfolding events that will further explore the depths of friendship and loyalty.

An unfortunate incident at NERV’s U.S. branch results in the loss of Unit-04, which prompts the U.S. government to send Unit-03 to Tokyo-3. Due to an international treaty limiting the number of operational Evangelions per nation, NERV quarantines Unit-02 and arranges a test for Unit-03 on the same day as Rei’s dinner party. Asuka steps up to replace Rei as the test pilot to ensure the dinner remains joyful. However, once activated, Unit-03 falls under the malignant control of the Ninth Angel, unleashing chaos in its wake.

Struggling with the ethical ramifications of his father’s directives, Shinji pilots Unit-01 but hesitates to engage the possessed EVA out of fear of harming his friend Asuka, who remains trapped inside. Gendo commands the activation of the Dummy System, granting Unit-01 independent operation, which leads to a devastating outcome as it ruthlessly dismantles Unit-03, crushing its cockpit with raw mechanical force. The emotional wounds inflicted upon Shinji by his father’s lack of empathy compel him to flee NERV, leaving a wake of uncertainty and sorrow.

As Asuka endures the aftermath of her harrowing encounter with the Angel, she is left battered and confined to quarantine as a precaution against the threat of mental contamination. Meanwhile, Shinji, in a state of panic, escapes the city, only to be intercepted by the Tenth Angel, forcing him into an emergency shelter for safety. Gendo’s intentions to operate Unit-01 without Shinji are thwarted once more, leading Mari to take command of Unit-02 and initiate a single-handed assault on the Angel. With fierce determination, Mari unleashes an array of attacks, yet the Angel proves too powerful, leaving Unit-02 significantly damaged. In a dramatic twist, Rei joins the fray with the crippled Unit-00, propelling herself like a projectile and firing a missile that, although it fails to obliterate the Angel, successfully distracts it temporarily.

As the Angel wraps itself around Unit-00, assimilating its core into its being, Shinji rushes to Gendo’s side, pleading for the chance to pilot Unit-01 once again. Fueled by a fiery resolve, Shinji engages the Angel, with his EVA running low on power as he valiantly battles. Though he eventually succumbs to exhaustion, Unit-01 miraculously surges back to life in a berserk state, compelled by Shinji’s righteous fury over Rei’s predicament. In an explosive display of primal strength, Unit-01 obliterates the Angel, enabling Shinji to reach out and save Rei from its clutches. As he cradles her in his arms, Shinji expresses gratitude to Rei for her efforts to bridge the divide with Gendo, ultimately coming to terms with the impossibility of their relationship. The remnants of the Angel, now infused with Unit-00’s core, become absorbed by Unit-01, which then transcends its previous form, sprouting magnificent radiant wings as Misato witnesses in awe.

In a moment of stark revelation, Ritsuko comprehends the true nature of the EVA’s transformation, recognizing that it has evolved into a divine entity, on the brink of initiating Third Impact and the potential end of the world. As the very fabric of existence begins to fracture, a post-credits scene unfolds, revealing a spear that pierces Unit-01 from the Moon, effectively destabilizing it and averting disaster. In the aftermath, Kaworu descends, his eyes emanating an otherworldly brilliance as he proclaims he will finally show Shinji what true happiness looks like.