Takashi Yamazaki’s “Godzilla Minus Zero” has received highly enthusiastic first reactions following its New York Film Festival press screening. Reviewers praised its large-scale action, visual effects and emotional focus, with several describing it as a worthy and ambitious successor to “Godzilla Minus One”; however, these are early responses rather than full reviews.

The film is the 38th entry in the Godzilla franchise and follows the Shikishima family in 1949, two years after the previous film, as they confront a new catastrophe. It stars Kamiki Ryunosuke and Hamabe Minami, features Godzilla attacking New York, and is reportedly the first Japanese feature filmed for IMAX. “Godzilla Minus One” earned $116 million worldwide and won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects; the sequel opens in Japan three days before its 6 November US release.