What Are Curses?

Before understanding the story, it’s important to know how the world works.

In Jujutsu Kaisen, negative human emotions—such as fear, hatred, regret, and sorrow—create Cursed Energy. When enough of this energy gathers, it forms Cursed Spirits, monsters that attack humans.

Jujutsu Sorcerers are trained to fight these curses using cursed energy and special techniques.

The Tragic Beginning

Yuta and Rika were childhood best friends.

They loved each other deeply and even promised to marry when they grew up.

One day, while walking together, Rika was struck and killed in a traffic accident right in front of Yuta.

This traumatic event shattered him.

Why Did Rika Become a Curse?

Everyone believes that Rika became a curse because she couldn’t let go of Yuta.

However, the truth is the opposite.

Yuta unknowingly cursed Rika.

Because of his overwhelming grief and immense latent cursed energy, Yuta subconsciously refused to accept her death. His emotions bound Rika’s soul to the world, transforming her into one of the most powerful cursed spirits ever seen.

This misunderstanding drives much of the film’s emotional arc.

The Queen of Curses

Rika Orimoto becomes known as the Queen of Curses.

She possesses:

• Enormous cursed energy
• Incredible strength
• Near-invulnerability
• The ability to protect Yuta automatically
• Vast reserves of cursed techniques

Whenever someone threatens Yuta, Rika attacks without hesitation.

Because of this, Yuta becomes isolated. He doesn’t want anyone else to get hurt because of him.

Meeting Satoru Gojo

The legendary sorcerer Satoru Gojo recruits Yuta into Tokyo Jujutsu High instead of allowing the higher-ups to execute him.

Gojo believes Yuta deserves a chance to control his power rather than be feared for it.

This decision changes Yuta’s life.

New Friends

At the school, Yuta meets three classmates:

• Maki Zenin
• Toge Inumaki
• Panda

At first, Yuta lacks confidence and isolates himself.

Over time, these friendships teach him that he deserves to live and can protect others rather than simply being protected by Rika.

Yuta’s Growth

Initially, Yuta relies entirely on Rika.

As training progresses, he learns:

• Swordsmanship
• Cursed energy control
• Tactical combat
• Teamwork
• Emotional resilience

His biggest transformation is psychological: he begins to believe his life has value.

Suguru Geto’s Plan

The antagonist, Suguru Geto, is a former sorcerer who now believes that only jujutsu sorcerers deserve to exist.

He views ordinary humans as the source of curses and wants to create a world inhabited only by sorcerers.

To accomplish this, he launches the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons, releasing countless cursed spirits across Japan while secretly aiming to seize Rika’s immense power.

Why Does Geto Want Rika?

Geto believes Rika is the strongest cursed spirit in existence.

If he absorbs her, he expects to become powerful enough to reshape the world according to his ideals.

However, he misunderstands the true source of Rika’s power: it comes from Yuta’s extraordinary cursed energy and his bond with Rika.

The Final Battle

Yuta faces Geto to protect his friends.

Believing he must give everything, Yuta tells Rika he will spend eternity with her if she lends him all her power.

Together, they unleash a devastating attack that defeats Geto.

It appears Yuta has sacrificed himself—but the truth is more hopeful.

The Biggest Twist

After the battle, Gojo reveals that Yuta is actually the one who cursed Rika.

Once Yuta accepts her death and releases his attachment, the curse is broken.

Rika’s soul is finally freed and can move on peacefully.

The terrifying cursed spirit disappears, while the real Rika thanks Yuta before departing.

This is the emotional climax of the film: love is expressed not by holding on forever, but by letting go.