I have just finished watching a movie called “Good Is Not Present,” and I need to say that it was thought-provoking. It all begins with peace, in which we see Takumi, as he is known locally, living his best days in the rural areas together with his daughter. They cut wood, pick wild wasabi and enjoy the nature.
However, things take a twist when an affluent person decides to build a luxurious hotel in their village but he wants to do it dirt cheap.
So this man sends two of his guys to try and persuade the villagers into believing that this is a good idea. But you know what? They are not buying it; they understand very well that such a resort will spoil their beautiful countryside and they are not afraid to voice out their concerns about it.
Next there is this guy called Takumi. He’s doing his own thing, chopping wood or whatever, when these two henchmen approach him to recruit him. But Takumi, he’s too clever for that. He knows what’s good and he won’t let some rich guy destroy his village.
I won’t give away the ending but it’ll blow your mind. The movie goes from calm country vibes to absolute horror in no time at all. And you’re just like, “What just?”
Listen, this movie isn’t a typical Hollywood blockbuster. It’s more of a slow burn, you know what I mean? It takes its time with setting up the story and developing the characters. But when it does start moving, it doesn’t let you go.
Ryûsuke Hamaguchi should get into people’s heads for a living. Every time you think you have the plot figured out, he throws in some crazy twist that makes no sense at all. It’s almost like he’s telling us “Hey don’t get too comfortable because I’m about to blow your mind.”
And believe me, he does. The conclusion of this movie will have you pondering over it for weeks. It’s the kind of ending which sticks with you. You’ll sit there trying to figure it all out but it’s like doing a puzzle with missing pieces.
All in all, ‘Evil Does Not Exist’ is not your typical film. It’s profound, it makes you think and it’s definitely worth seeing. Just be ready to have your brain explode.
Screenshot from Trailer on YouTube
