Before We Vanish 2018

In a shocking display of extraterrestrial disregard, Akira, an alien disguised as a schoolgirl, orchestrates a brutal family massacre before effortlessly striding down the center of a highway, accidentally instigating a devastating semi-truck collision. Simultaneously, a second alien presence has infiltrated Shinji, leading to a confusing transformation that leaves his wife, Narumi, bewildered by his sudden shift into an endearing stranger. With a desperate plea for answers, Shinji turns to Narumi, hoping to unravel the mysteries surrounding his radical metamorphosis.

As a third alien being takes over the body of teenager Amano, he seeks comfort in the presence of freelance journalist Sakurai, who unexpectedly becomes his mentor. Amano reveals to Sakurai that he is, in fact, an extraterrestrial, and as Sakurai’s initial doubt begins to fade, he embarks on a journey to discern the true intentions behind these aliens’ existence. Despite projecting a veneer of tranquility, the path taken by this unconventional trio is shadowed by Akira’s unsettling acts of violence, which even challenge the stoic demeanor of Sakurai.

The trio’s quest is fueled by an unquenchable thirst to grasp the core of humanity. To fulfill this ambition, they stealthily appropriate foundational philosophical principles from unsuspecting humans, leaving them bewildered and unable to comprehend their own values. For example, Shinji commandeers the idea of “family” from Narumi’s sister, who, upon realizing this, hastily departs, leaving Shinji in a profound void that he struggles to fill.

In a twist that is both poignant and intellectually stimulating, Alien Amano pilfers the notion of “freedom” from his human counterpart’s parents, thereby transforming them into obedient servants. At the same time, Akira and Shinji become attracted to Narumi, each vying to possess the essence of “love.” As they plunge deeper into this existential enigma, they slowly begin to grasp the intricate nature of human emotion.

Meanwhile, governmental organizations are diligently pursuing Akira, firmly believing she holds the key to a lethal virus that could usher in global catastrophe. As a result, a state of emergency is declared, prompting the Self-Defense Forces to mobilize in pursuit of her. As the tension reaches a fever pitch, Amano and Akira must unite with Shinji to set in motion an intergalactic invasion, a development that initially appears to be something Sakurai is determined to thwart.

In a heartbreaking twist, the human manifestations of Amano and Akira tragically fall victim to aggressive forces, compelling Sakurai to reassess his earlier perspective. As Narumi and Shinji stand before the encroaching invaders on a hill that overlooks the ocean, they are faced with a grave existential dilemma: will humanity succumb to this alien threat, or can love and redemption somehow triumph over impending annihilation?

As the aftermath of the alien assault plays out, a chilling stillness envelops the survivors. Two months on, some humans are scraping together a tentative existence while others wrestle with deep existential quandaries ignited by the invasion. The traumatic remnants of the assault have carved deep emotional and physical wounds in many, leaving them searching for a path toward recovery.

Shinji is seen among the efforts to aid those in peril, his unwavering commitment a beacon of hope in a world torn apart. Conversely, Narumi lies confined in a hospital, her heart now numb and disconnected from the very idea of love. Their contrasting fates poignantly highlight the overarching consequences of the invasion.

In reflections offered by Shinji, he sheds light on the aliens’ motives: they learned from humanity, perhaps becoming aware that the issues plaguing our species—poverty, inequality, and environmental crises—might be more destructive than any threat from beyond the stars. Observations made by a relief doctor drive home a harsh reality: despite the devastation wrought by the invasion, it has inadvertently illuminated the most pressing challenges faced by humanity.

As this fragile new order emerges, Shinji’s altruistic actions and Narumi’s fervent quest for meaning serve as powerful testaments to human resilience. As they work to rebuild their shattered existence, it becomes evident that the true horror might not lie solely in the alien incursion, but rather in the existential crises that have been stirred within each of them.