Acclaimed director Ryusuke Hamaguchi, fresh off the success of two major hits, sought refuge in the tranquility of the Japanese hinterlands, only to emerge with a new cinematic offering, “Evil Does Not Exist“. This film was showcased with much anticipation at the Venice Film Festival.
Having won the Oscar for the best international film for “Drive My Car” in 2022 and clinching the Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin Film Festival in 2021 for his romantic masterpiece “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy”, Hamaguchi’s international stature rose dramatically. Reflecting on this whirlwind phase of his life, he mentioned, “The promotional blitz was mentally and physically draining. That exhaustion drove me to create ‘Evil Does Not Exist’.”
Hamaguchi viewed the process of creating this film as therapeutic, a path to rejuvenation. The fact that it earned an invitation to such a prestigious film festival was, in his words, an added fortune. The filming remained under wraps, making its revelation as the sole Asian contender in the main competition at Venice a surprise for many.
Set against the backdrop of a serene rural hamlet, the story unfolds when a Tokyo-based talent agency sets its sights on developing a luxurious glamping site in the adjacent woods. This proposal, though, threatens the village’s water source and disrupts the ecological harmony. Hamaguchi was intrigued by the fact that this narrative was rooted in reality. He said, “The actual proposal was so haphazardly planned that its success was unimaginable.”
The story progresses as the developers attempt to rope in a local handyman, a devoted single father, for their misguided venture. As events unfurl, an ominous foreboding gradually pervades the narrative, prompting introspection about the very essence of the film’s title. Hamaguchi mused about the origin of the title, observing nature’s inherent absence of malevolence. However, he highlighted, “The title isn’t a literal representation of the film’s ethos, and viewers will discern that evil does, in fact, exist.”
Hamaguchi’s ensemble, including the young lead, made a stellar appearance at Venice. The spirited young actress captured attention as she gleefully greeted photographers on the iconic red carpet.
Interestingly, Hamaguchi was slated to visit Venice three years prior when “Wife of a Spy”, which featured his screenplay, was shortlisted. But the outbreak of the pandemic disrupted those plans. He shared, “Although this doesn’t quite replace that missed opportunity, I’m elated to experience the charm of this magnificent city now.”
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