The acting was really phenomenal, the female lead was amazing at portraying the development of her character. The movie was really nicely put together, it was more emotional than I was expecting a unique short movie about loneliness
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It follows a man who starts stalking someone he previously went to university with, only to find out that she's a victim of domestic abuse. The ML (Naoto) isn't necessarily a great character. For one, he stalks her, and invades her privacy, and even befriends her. Whilst this isn't told from the perspective of the victim (the FL - Chihiro) , we are still able to catch glimpses, from the Naoto's perspective, where you can see how her trauma affects her. And the abuse does get very graphic, which is why I tend to skip over those parts if I do re-watch it. However, the choice not to censor it is important in my opinion, because it shows what victims experience, and it shouldn't just be sugar-coated.
Another thing I would like to mention is memory, and one's perception of their own memory. Without going into much detail, we see many flashbacks of their university days and the interactions they had. Seeing the importance of those interactions explains why (not justifies) why he chose to stalk her after seeing her all those years later.
There's also a slight plot twist at one point which I thought was interesting and engaging. There is also another side character whose is slightly eccentric. In my opinion, the importance of his character is to show he people (including him and Naoto) latch onto something in times of need and in turn, they provide an emotional anchor for them. However, in this case, it isn't as simple as finding a band through a song that means a lot to you. Here, we see the extreme version, along with the extreme choices some people will make, especially if that anchor is being threatened to be taken away from them.
If this is something you are interested in, please check it out. Because of this film that I first watched last year, I have gained an interest in the main characters. Also, I hope you like my analysis in the paragraph above and are able to take away your own meaning from this film in the same way I have :)
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A Powerful Movie About Isolation
Before watching this movie, I insist greatly that you check the tags, understand the trigger warnings laid within them, and be prepared for a dark and twisted tale.This is a very powerful movie about isolation and what people go through to survive it. Both the female and male leads are lonely and isolated. Chihiro due to being drawn into a violent cycle of abuse that repeats over and over. Isolated from those she knows and loves and with a child to protect she often keeps her head down. Naoto due to his practically invisible existence from as early as he can remember. All he wants in life is to, for once, not be forgotten.
I will give you a sincere tip. This movie is not for the light-hearted. However, if you're doing a binge day of jdrama shows/movies -- I would suggest watching the drama "Fishbowl Wives" (2022), and THEN watching this movie. I walked in blind to "Fishbowl Wives" and then randomly found this movie. The combination was dynamite. I don't know how to explain it, but it was like watching the same lead protagonists story -- only from a COMPLETELY different view points.
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This review may contain spoilers
A cycle of hell
First and foremost, I want to give a huge trigger warning: this film dives deeply into themes of abuse and domestic violence. If these topics are distressing or triggering for you, I highly recommend avoiding it.The movie is adapted from a chilling horror novel, and while there is a Korean remake, this is the original Japanese version.
**Plot**
The story revolves around Mitsui, a man who has dealt with feelings of neglect and isolation since childhood. He was often overlooked by both his family and classmates, leaving him with a profound sense of abandonment. The only person who ever acknowledged him and called him by his name was Chihiro, a girl from his past. Despite the passage of many years since high school, he remains obsessively fixated on her. One rainy day, while riding in an elevator, Mitsui catches a whiff of a familiar fragrance that instantly transports him back to memories of Chihiro. This pushes him to seek her out, hoping to catch a glimpse of the girl he has been infatuated with for most of his life. However, to his surprise, the woman he encounters is far from the radiant girl he once knew. The smile that once lit up her face has vanished, replaced by a heaviness that deeply concerns him.
**Spoilers ahead****
Driven by worry, Mitsui decides to move into a nearby apartment, becoming increasingly fixated on Chihiro. This initial concern gradually spirals into an unhealthy obsession, leading him to engage in stalking and sinister behaviors like installing recording devices, and even hiding beneath her bed at times (and that's not all).
As the narrative unfolds, Mitsui uncovers the horrifying reality of Chihiro’s life. He learns that she is living in a cycle of abuse and sexual assault at the hands of her husband. Let me tell you; these scenes are raw and haunting, and they are really difficult to watch at times. Yet again, they are another testimony to the harsh realities that many women endure, often in plain sight. What is interesting is Mitsui’s obsessive perspective allows him to recognize the alarming signs of her abuse, while those directly involved in her life seem oblivious to the horror she experiences daily, although the signs are right in front of their eyes.
In a way, you feel like Mitsui is the better option, but the movie presents a complicated portrayal of Mitsui’s character. While he observes the torment Chihiro faces and wishes to intervene, his role as a stalker complicates any potential for him to be a genuine ally. His obsession undermines his intentions, presenting him as both a potential savior and an unsettling threat. The contrast between Mitsui's stalking and the reality of Chihiro's situation raises profound questions about the nature of her safety. While we are presented with two bad guys and pushed to recognize the better bad guy, we also realize how scary this situation is for Chihiro. On one side, she has an abusive husband, who gives her hell on earth; on the other side, there is a stalker whose obsession can spiral at any time, and we don’t know how far it can go. It makes me wonder if Chihiro can really be safe.
Overall, the film is nicely crafted but difficult to watch due to its brutal and realistic portrayal of abuse and sexual assault. It leaves viewers contemplating the complexities of human obsession and the desperation of those trapped in damaging relationships. The story serves as a reminder of the realities many face while exploring the darker aspects of human emotion and connection.
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