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The following contains spoilers from Chainsaw Man manga, written by Tatsuki Fujimoto, translated by Amanda Haley, lettering by Sabrina Heep and available through Viz Media.
The Chainsaw Man anime's opening theme "KICK BACK" quickly stole the show with the plethora of movie references sprinkled throughout, making it a film buff's dream. The opening is also beautiful to watch as there's a lot going on. It's chaotic and messy, presenting the perfect encapsulation of Denji's short but tragic life.
The opening focuses on Denji's relationship with Makima in particular. It's clear from the first few episodes that Makima is powerful, but her influence stretches beyond being able to kill a few people. Her power is much more quiet and insidious, and Denji -- in his vulnerability and yearning for love -- won't be able to see the trap she's laid out until it's too late. Here's everything Chainsaw Man's opening reveals about their relationship.
Chainsaw Man's Opening Shows Makima's Inescapable Hold on Denji
Chainsaw Man protagonist Denji is quickly characterized as a dog, first by the yakuza and then by Makima. There's a brief shot of Denji on all fours, being pulled on a leash by Makima where he is seemingly happier following her. The opening transitions to a scene of the two together; Denji lays his head in Makima's lap as she strokes his hair. It exudes a comforting atmosphere, framing Makima as a motherly figure; this is significant for Denji, who was left without a parental figure for a majority of his life. With the scenes of Makima and Denji together, the former is usually shrouded in light because in Denji's perspective, that's what she is -- the one speck of light in his depressing life. The lyrics "I want to be happy, I want an easy life," speak to Denji's desire for normalcy and happiness, and he wholly believes it's possible with Makima.
Denji has made it clear from the onset that he doesn't ask for much, and is happy with the basic essentials such as having a bed to sleep in or eating a piece of toast with jam. These are all luxuries to him, making the lyrics "I love you, so talk down to me. Take it all away and laugh at me, my honey" more heartbreaking. Because his first real romantic and emotional connection is with Makima, he's fine if she removes the people he cares about from him and looks down on him -- as long as he has her. Like a dog, his loyalty to Makima does not waver.
On the outside, Makima appears warm and gentle. Working in a field where Devil Hunters face death every day, it explains why people like Hayakawa are enamored by her. However, it's nothing but an illusion; this is shown in a brief scene where Denji reaches out to Makima and the light shines on her -- yet as soon as he does, she dissolves into ripples as if she was never there in the first place.
This scene cleverly coincides with the opening theme's lyrics. When Denji's hands reach out to her, the camera focuses specifically on Makima's chest as Kenshi Yonezu sings "I want to hold your heart inside my hand." Denji's unconventionality as a shonen protagonist resides in his sexual desire, but what he truly yearns for is love. Makima's knowing look as her eyes track his hands show that she knows and will exploit this. The lyrics point to how hollow Denji feels by the end of Part 1: "I want this, I want that, I want everything, I just feel empty."
In the full version of the song, Yonezu sings "4443 and the soda water releases." According to Kladias on Reddit, while 4443 represents the soda, the number four in Japanese is pronounced "shi" while "awase" means lined up. "Shiawase" means happiness in Japanese and since the numbers could not line up to all be 4, it could mean that Denji is unable to attain happiness.
The Opening Theme's Bug and Plant References Show Who the Prey Is
In the scene where Makima is stroking Denji's hair, much like an owner would for their dog, plants and flowers erupt around him. In the corner are a few Venus flytraps -- carnivorous plants that, by secreting a fragrant nectar, lure bugs to settle down in its opening. The flytrap waits, deciding whether it's nutritious and of value, before eating it. Having this particularly insidious plant appear in what should have been an intimate moment is telling.
Makima is manipulative and has demonstrated a siren-like effect on people around her. Denji doesn't realize he has been ensnared by her until it has already happened, as shown in the shot of the vines encasing him from his shoulders down. To Makima, he is the equivalent of a bug and ultimately means nothing to her. This is reinforced through the bug imagery associated with Denji: there appears to be an ant on the back of his hand in one scene, and a larger ant on his head in the scene with him and Makima.
The only times she pays attention to him is when he is Chainsaw Man. When she reaches out to him, the scene cuts to Denji in the middle of transforming into Chainsaw Man. This scene immediately transitions to Makima slowly holding her fingers up to her face. For a split second, there appears to be a green butterfly flapping its wings in the background behind her; this could possibly symbolize abundance, prosperity, love and compassion, which is how she wants people to see her. It cuts to a red background as Makima gazes out -- at Chainsaw Man, as shown in the next cut -- through her makeshift camera lens. She only sees Chainsaw Man, not Denji.
The most chilling scene thus far is Makima feeding a snail to Denji, except this snail looks different. It has been infected by a parasitic worm, turning them into a "zombie." Because the colors make it look like a caterpillar, birds will eat the snail and the parasite will then reproduce inside the bird's tract. But Denji doesn't know this; he unequivocally trusts Makima, not realizing that she's sending him to his death. Even though he does look up briefly, most likely because he's sensing something off about the snail, he still allows her to place it in his mouth.
Makima Standing at the Highest Level Reveals That She Knows Everything
One of the most interesting scenes in Chainsaw Man's opening is the use of the "Perspective" image. Sitting on the ground is Power with Meowy and Denji with Pochita, symbolizing a childlike innocence and ignorance. All they can see are clouds. On the next tier is Aki standing on top of a mound of snow with snow covering his head and shoulders, referencing both the tragedy that kills his family and foreshadowing his own fate.
Because Aki has been a Devil Hunter for years, he has a better sense of what's happening and what is at stake. As such, he has a wider perspective and sees the dismal condition of the world. The poster of Katana Man also foreshadows the confrontation that they have later on -- and the death of someone close to Aki caused by Katana Man.
At the highest level is Makima who is standing, hands behind her back and the picture of serenity, on top of a stack of books. Books are commonly associated with knowledge, which Makima has an abundance of. She can see beyond what's happening in front of her, and she hopes to plunge the future into a state of darkness and hell.