Evil Does Not Exist 2024

The tranquil landscape of Mizubiki’s winter forest serves as the serene backdrop for the narrative’s opening scenes. Takumi, a widowed father, goes about his daily routine alongside his eight-year-old daughter Hana, amidst the peaceful ambiance of their rural Japanese village. The occasional crackle of gunfire echoes through the valley, likely the result of deer hunting expeditions.

As the community convenes for an informal gathering, the air is filled with a sense of trepidation and skepticism as two representatives from a glamping development company - Takahashi (character) and Mayuzumi - present their proposal to the townspeople. However, their polished public relations façade is quickly shattered by the residents’ earnest concerns regarding the potential environmental consequences of the project on Mizubiki’s delicate water systems. Takumi and his fellow villagers express deep reservations about the septic tank capacity, warning that it will inevitably lead to sewage contamination in the groundwater they rely upon for their well-water supply.

The company representatives, initially dismissive of the townspeople’s worries, begin to exhibit a more empathetic attitude as they listen to their concerns. However, once back in touch with their boss, they are instructed to ignore the environmental issues and instead focus on winning over Takumi by showering him with gifts and hiring him as the caretaker for the glamping site. As they arrive back in Mizubiki, Takahashi and Mayuzumi share stories of their own online dating experiences and express their disillusionment with their job.

As they settle into village life, Takahashi decides to leave his urban lifestyle behind and immerse himself in the local culture, seeking wisdom from Takumi. On a scenic drive, Takumi shares a cautionary tale about wild deer, revealing that even normally docile creatures can become aggressive if they are injured or cornered, unable to flee from danger. The distant echo of another gunshot rings out through the valley, serving as a poignant reminder of the ever-present connection between humans and nature in this idyllic setting.

As night descends upon the village, panic sets in as news spreads that Hana (character name) has gone missing. Takumi’s desperate search for his daughter is matched only by the urgency of the community, who scour every inch of their surroundings in a bid to locate her. Undeterred by the passing hours, Takumi and Takahashi embark on a perilous journey into the heart of the forest, driven by an unyielding determination to find Hana. As they venture deeper into the wilderness, the darkness is eventually pierced by the light of an open field, where the desperate duo finally finds themselves face-to-face with the truth.

In this desolate expanse, Hana’s presence is revealed, her figure approaching a tranquil scene: a deer and its wounded calf, the latter’s gut-shot vulnerability a stark reminder of the harsh realities that lie beyond their village. Yet before Takahashi can succumb to his instincts and rush forward, Takumi’s unyielding resolve manifests in a sudden, fierce tackle, leaving his companion stunned and motionless on the ground. As the dust settles, Hana’s lifeless form is revealed, her bloody nose a haunting testament to the brutal forces that lurk in the shadows.

With his daughter safely clutched in his arms, Takumi flees into the forest, the sounds of their frantic pursuit growing fainter as they disappear into the darkness. Meanwhile, Takahashi stirs from his unconscious state, his struggle to rise a valiant but ultimately futile effort, as he succumbs once more to the unforgiving earth. The forest, now shrouded in an impenetrable darkness, echoes with the distant sounds of footsteps and labored breathing, the only testament to the desperate search that has been rendered fruitless by the cruel hand of fate.