Evil Does Not Exist 2024
Directed by
Ryûsuke Hamaguchi
Made by
Fictive
Plot Summary
The tranquil expanse of Mizubiki’s winter forest creates a serene atmosphere as the story unfolds. At the heart of this narrative is Takumi, a widowed father navigating life with his spirited eight-year-old daughter, Hana. Their daily routine reflects the calmness of their rural Japanese village, occasionally disrupted by the distant sound of gunfire from deer hunting expeditions.
During a community meeting, tension fills the air as two representatives from a glamping development company, Takahashi and Mayuzumi, present their proposal to the skeptical townspeople. The polished veneer of their public relations pitch soon crumbles under the weight of residents’ genuine fears about the project’s potential impact on Mizubiki’s fragile water systems. Takumi, along with his community members, voices strong concerns regarding septic tank capacity, warning that it could lead to sewage contamination affecting their well-water supply.
Initially dismissive of the villagers’ worries, the representatives gradually begin to empathize as they truly listen to their plight. However, once they reestablish communication with their superior, they receive orders to sidestep the environmental concerns and instead aim to win over Takumi by lavishing him with gifts and offering him the role of caretaker for the glamping site. Back in Mizubiki, Takahashi and Mayuzumi share amusing stories of their own online dating misadventures, revealing their disillusionment with their corporate job.
As they adapt to village life, Takahashi decides to abandon his fast-paced urban existence, choosing instead to embrace local culture and seek guidance from Takumi. One day during a scenic drive, Takumi warns him with a tale about wild deer, explaining how even the most peaceful creatures can turn aggressive when threatened or cornered, a poignant reflection of the balance between humanity and nature. Yet the echo of a distant gunshot serves as a stark reminder of this delicate relationship.
As night envelops the village, a wave of panic sets in when news breaks that Hana has gone missing. The urgency of searching for her drives Takumi and the community into a frantic quest, leaving no stone unturned. Determined to find his daughter, Takumi partners with Takahashi on a perilous journey into the depths of the forest. Their resolve grows with each passing moment, and as they venture further into the dark wilderness, they eventually stumble upon an open field illuminated by moonlight, facing an unsettling truth.
In this desolate area, they discover Hana, who appears in a startling moment, standing near a deer and its wounded calf—an image that starkly underscores the harsh realities of life outside their village. As Takahashi instinctively moves to intervene, Takumi’s fierce determination manifests in a sudden tackle that leaves Takahashi stunned on the ground. The shocking moment ultimately reveals Hana’s lifeless body, her bloodied nose a chilling reminder of the unforeseen dangers upon them.
With grief-stricken arms, Takumi gathers his daughter and rushes into the forest, their frantic escape dissolving into the encroaching darkness. Meanwhile, Takahashi regains consciousness, struggling to rise, but the treacherous earth pulls him back down, leaving him to grapple with the relentless shadows of the night. The forest now echoes only with the distant sounds of footsteps and labored breathing, a solemn reminder of the desperate search rendered futile by the merciless hand of fate.
Timeline
Serene Life in Mizubiki
Takumi and his daughter Hana enjoy a peaceful life in the winter forest of Mizubiki. Their days unfold in tranquility, surrounded by the beauty of nature, occasionally interrupted by the distant sounds of deer hunting.
Community Meeting for Glamping Proposal
During a tense community meeting, Takumi and other villagers confront representatives from a glamping company presenting their development proposal. The townspeople express deep concerns about the potential environmental impact of the project, particularly on their water supply.
Rising Tensions
As the meeting progresses, the villagers' worries grow as they cite issues with septic tank capacity that could contaminate their well water. Takumi's steadfastness represents the collective voice of the community, urging for a reconsideration of the project's viability.
Empathy Begins to Form
Initially, the glamping representatives, Takahashi and Mayuzumi, dismiss the villagers' concerns. However, as they listen more intently to the locals, they begin to empathize with their fears about the environmental consequences of the development.
Corporate Manipulations
Under pressure from their superior, Takahashi and Mayuzumi decide to sidestep the concerns and instead try to win over Takumi with gifts. They offer him a position as caretaker for the glamping site, hoping to sway his opinion.
Adapting to Village Life
As time passes, Takahashi starts to embrace village culture, moving away from his corporate life. He seeks Takumi's guidance, signaling a shift in his attitude as he begins to understand the importance of community and nature.
A Tale of Wildness
On a scenic drive, Takumi shares a story about wild deer with Takahashi, explaining how even gentle creatures can become dangerous when threatened. Their discussion reflects the fragile balance between humanity and nature, highlighted by the sounds of a distant gunshot.
Panic Strikes the Village
Night falls over Mizubiki, and a wave of panic erupts when it’s discovered that Hana is missing. Takumi partners with Takahashi as they rally the community to search for her, fueled by urgency and fear.
The Frantic Search
Takumi and Takahashi embark on a perilous journey into the dark forest, driven by desperate hope. As they traverse deeper into the wilderness, their resolve and urgency intensify with each passing moment.
A Disturbing Discovery
Within a moonlit clearing, they stumble upon Hana, unexpectedly standing near a wounded deer and its calf. The sight serves as a harsh reminder of the brutal realities lurking beyond their rural lives.
A Moment of Instinct
As Takahashi instinctively moves to help the deer, Takumi reacts fiercely, tackling Takahashi to the ground. In this shocking moment, the grave truth is revealed: Hana is indeed lifeless, starkly emphasizing the dangers they have faced.
Heartbroken Escape
Grief-stricken, Takumi gathers his daughter’s body, making a frantic escape into the dark forest. The shadows engulf him as he realizes the tragic outcome of their search, marking a heart-wrenching moment in his life.
Takahashi's Struggle
As Takumi rushes into the depths of the forest, Takahashi struggles to rise from the ground. The treacherous terrain seems to conspire against him, leaving him grappling with the heavy implications of the tragic events that have unfolded.
Fate's Relentless Grasp
With the village now shrouded in sorrow, the relentless shadows surround Takahashi, echoing only the sounds of fading footsteps and labored breaths. The desperate search ends in heartbreak, illustrating the merciless hand of fate.
Characters
Takumi
A widowed father deeply connected to his daughter, Hana. He epitomizes resilience and love, embodying the struggles of a single parent navigating life while protecting his family's well-being. His determination to confront both personal and external challenges showcases his strength in adversity.
Hana
A spirited eight-year-old girl whose innocent curiosity and bond with her father drive the emotional core of the story. Her disappearance sparks a gripping narrative that reveals the harsh realities of life, leaving a profound impact on the community and her father.
Takahashi
A corporate representative who finds himself torn between his job and the genuine concerns of the villagers. His character development reflects a journey from indifference to empathy, as he navigates the complexities of his role and forms an unexpected bond with Takumi.
Mayuzumi
A representative from the glamping development company, initially focused on marketing strategies but gradually learns to appreciate the villagers' fears. Her character illustrates the tension between corporate interests and community values, emphasizing the need for understanding in development projects.
Setting
Time period
The narrative unfolds in contemporary times, as it reflects modern issues of environmental concern in rural settings. The clash between traditional lifestyles and corporate development highlights the ongoing struggle for sustainability in the face of progress.
Location
Mizubiki, rural Japan
Mizubiki is a tranquil rural village nestled within a vast winter forest, known for its serene atmosphere and close-knit community. The landscape is dominated by natural beauty, where the calmness of everyday life contrasts sharply with the distant echoes of hunting. This setting underscores the villagers' connection to nature and their concerns over preserving their fragile environment.
Themes
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Nature vs. Humanity
The film explores the delicate relationship between humanity and nature, showcasing how external pressures can disrupt rural life. Through Takumi's journey and the community's fight, it highlights the importance of preserving natural environments in the face of modernization. The stark imagery of the forest and the impact of the deer hunting serve as reminders of nature's unpredictable balance.
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Loss and Grief
Central to the story is the theme of loss, particularly embodied in Takumi's relationship with his daughter Hana. The emotional journey through grief is palpable, emphasizing the painful realities that can emerge from unforeseen circumstances. Takumi's desperate and frantic search poignantly conveys the depths of parental love and the trauma of losing a child.
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