The title of “52-Hertz Whales” refers to a theory by oceanographers about a lone cetacean that navigates the seas, communicating at a lower frequency than all other aquatic mammals. Its song has been recorded numerous times, but the creature remains unseen, earning it the title of the “world’s loneliest whale.”
In Izuru Narushima’s emotional tear-jerker, a solitary woman enduring years of physical and emotional abuse attempts to save a young boy from a similar fate. Both find solace in the melancholic song of the 52-Hertz whale. Adapted from Sonoko Machida’s award-winning 2021 novel, the film stars Hana Sugisaki as Kiko, who arrives in a picturesque seaside town near Oita, Japan, hoping to start anew. Rumors swirl about her reasons for fleeing Tokyo, but Kiko focuses on a mute, long-haired boy known only as “Bug” (Tori Kuwana), who appears to be living in destitution.
Kiko tracks down the boy’s mother (Nanae Nishino), a waitress who wants nothing to do with the child she claims ruined her life. Kiko takes him in, and through flashbacks, we learn about her own traumatic upbringing. Much of Kiko’s abuse stemmed from her mother (Sei Matobu), who routinely beat her and blamed her for everything wrong in her life. Kiko, unable to pursue a career, was forced to care for her bedridden stepfather while her mother worked. A chance meeting with an old classmate (Karin Ono) and her friend An-san (Jun Shison) inspires Kiko to leave home, but she falls into another abusive relationship with Chikara, a spoiled rich kid played by Hio Miyazawa.
Narushima directs with an unhurried, understated hand, positioning the audience as captive witnesses to relentless scenes of suffering and torment without much respite. Sugisaki’s fragile demeanor highlights her plight as a perennial victim, but her performance transcends mere histrionics, tapping into a determined resilience.
Around the halfway mark, the film’s plot becomes unnecessarily complicated by a revelation that adds little to the already heavy drama and remains unresolved. Despite its intense nature, Narushima might have done well to exclude this twist, as it detracts from an otherwise tough yet immersive character drama.
“52-Hertz Whales” is a heartbreaking exploration of abuse, resilience, and the search for solace, anchored by a powerful performance from Hana Sugisaki.
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