My Next Life as a Villainess is an anime based off of a light novel by Satoru Yamaguchi, about a fictional dating sim called Fortune Lover in which a heroine conquers one out of multiple love interests. Which one she ends up with depends on which predetermined version of the story the player chooses to take. Although at first glance it may seem frivolous and silly, the underlying storylines and character arcs that make up the show are actually really deep and important.
Abuse and bullying are two themes that seem to be carrying on throughout the first season. In the very first episode, after we are introduced to Keith Claes, we learn that his backstory centers around the neglect and loneliness he feels because of the verbal and emotional abuse he received from his father's family. Mary Hunt and Sophia Ascart are also bullied and treated as outcasts; Mary from her family as an unwanted child and Sophia from society as someone cursed. A little later, Maria Campbell joins them in being treated unfairly by the bullies at school.
Each one of them was deeply affected by what they went through, and the audience gets to see how each character internalized and reacted to the trauma of continued abuse. Keith tried to shut himself away. Mary became quiet and afraid of everything. Sophia became discouraged and lonely. Maria became quiet and stopped doing things she loved, like making sweets.
Seeing the effects of abuse and bullying has on characters in what is supposed to be a light-hearted show about romance and love triangles is definitely unexpected, but the fact that friendship, love and a genuine connection with others who have their best interests at heart is what helps each character conquer their fears and get their self-confidence back is a great lesson hidden among the fluffier content.
A little more in keeping with the show's theme of romance is the subject of homosexual inclusivity. Keith Claes, Nicol Ascart, Maria Campbell, Mary Hunt, and Sophia Ascart's sexual orientations are all questioned at some point within the series. Katarina thinks Keith might love Nicol, and she doesn't think anything of it except to wonder how she will protect him from getting hurt. Mary and Maria both mainly and openly declare their romantic feelings for Katarina without any hesitation. Sophia may have feelings for Katarina, but she seems to have stepped aside in favor of Nicol.
The fact that each of these characters is suspected of or confirmed about having same-sex attraction is important in and of itself, but Mary and Maria declaring their feelings for Katarina opens a lot of doors for potential story arcs within the show. It puts the girls on the same level as the male rivals for Katarina's love, and implies that same-sex couples are not taboo in the word of Fortune Lover. It is also interesting that Katarina seems to be infatuated with Maria. Whether the infatuation is because of Maria herself or because of her sweets, only time will tell.
There are lots of instances throughout the season that touch on deep and controversial topics. Overall, though, friendship is the most importan theme throughout My Next Life as a Villainess. Katarina's friendship and love is what's helped each of the characters find their best selves. It made them all feel less alone, so that they had the strength to face their own issues and become better versions of themselves in the long run.