Eureka

One of many extraordinary things about this hypnotic black and white film is that the major action – a tragic hijacking of a bus – takes only a few minutes at the start. Aoyama is more interested in the repercussions, as the three survivors – bus driver Makoto (Yakusho Koji; Perfect Days, SFF 2023) and siblings, little sister Kozue and elder brother Naoki – find themselves unable to return to normal life. The children are rendered mute by their trauma but establish a strong connection with Makoto, forming a family unit who attempt a form of resurrection. As Director Bong describes: “It approaches in silence, settles in with unhurried grace, and ultimately stirs the deepest chambers of the heart.”