Lost Girls & Love Hotels 2020

Margaret, an American expatriate, finds herself navigating the vibrant, neon-lit streets of Tokyo, living a dual life. By day, she takes on the role of a teacher, instructing potential flight attendants in the intricacies of English at a Japanese academy. However, as night falls, she seeks solace in the city’s shadowy underbelly, engaging in fleeting connections and intense experiences at love hotels. These nocturnal escapades often leave her feeling disheveled and disoriented, drawing the concern of her manager, Nakamura. Seeing a younger version of herself in Margaret, Nakamura offers compassionate understanding.

As Margaret’s existence becomes increasingly fragmented, she encounters Kazu, a Yakuza enforcer whose formidable presence belies a rich and intricate inner life. Despite being bound by an impending marriage that is more obligation than passion, Kazu is drawn to Margaret. Though initially reluctant, she eventually succumbs to the thrill of their volatile relationship. During their time together, Margaret reveals the painful truths of her past: her father’s abandonment, her mother’s death from cancer, and her struggles with a schizophrenic brother, shedding light on her motivations for fleeing to Japan—a desperate search for solitude and peace.

On the day of her students’ graduation at the flight academy, Kazu surprises Margaret with an unexpected invitation to explore Kyoto together. Initially hesitant, she agrees when he describes it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thus begins a whirlwind adventure, taking them to the sacred Kiyomizu-dera temple. As Kazu guides her through its intricate passages and illuminates the “Buddha’s womb,” he shares the significance of rebirth, serving as a poignant reminder for Margaret to confront her past and release her deeply rooted traumas. However, upon awakening during their train ride back to Tokyo, she finds herself abandoned by Kazu, leaving her feeling lost and bereft.

Back at work, Margaret is met with a shocking revelation—she has been dismissed and replaced, underscoring the precariousness of her situation in Japan. The announcement of Ines leaving Japan further plunges Margaret into despair. Her life devolves into a series of hollow encounters devoid of emotional substance. However, when she unexpectedly spots Kazu with his family at a love hotel, she seizes the moment to escape her bleak reality. Kazu, firm in his resolve, rebuffs her advances and rejects any possibility of a relationship. Nevertheless, Margaret clings to her feelings, and they share one last fleeting moment before he sends her away, leaving her feeling battered and confused.

Returning to her apartment, Margaret is hit with the harsh reality of an eviction notice, which strips away her final semblance of stability. In a frantic effort to cling to remnants of her life, she takes a job as a hostess at a bar, serving rowdy businessmen. Yet, she finds herself detached from the festivities and ultimately leaves without compensation.

At her lowest point, Margaret is discovered wandering the streets by Louise, who brings news of Liam’s deportation, which serves as a harsh reminder of her personal isolation. Sharing a drink with Louise, Margaret succumbs to drunkenness, embarking on a aimless journey through Tokyo’s nightlife. Here, she senses a shadowy figure following her, prompting her to seek refuge in a love hotel. Awakened by a newfound desire for submission, she strips down and lies down, yielding to the whims of the mysterious stranger. As he ties her limbs to the bed, he threatens her life, and in a moment of desperation, Margaret pleads for his mercy.

Just when it seems hope is lost, Kazu bursts in, rescuing Margaret from this precarious situation. Grateful for his timely intervention, Margaret recognizes the need for a fresh start and decides to leave Tokyo behind. On her flight, she encounters Tamiko, a former student now serving as a flight attendant. Watching Tamiko demonstrate safety procedures ignites a smile on Margaret’s face, and during this journey, she starts to grasp the significance of the “Buddha’s womb.” Embracing a profound sense of rebirth, she bids a heartfelt farewell to Kazu, ready to begin anew and leave her troubled past behind.