Evil Does Not Exist
A new masterful film from Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, who won an Oscar for Drive My Car (2021). Evil Does Not Exist won the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.
About the film
A village outside Tokyo reacts when they discover plans to build a tourist site offering city dwellers a comfortable nature retreat. The film captures the conflicts between humanity and nature, progress and preservation. Set in the village of Mizubiki near Tokyo, it follows Takumi and his daughter Hana, who live a quiet and modest life deeply connected to nature. However, the village is disrupted by plans for a "glamping site"—a more glamorous form of camping—that pits corporate interests against the delicate balance of the local community.
The film begins with a slow and captivating pace but takes an unexpected turn, revealing hidden evil beneath the surface. It highlights the tension between humanity and nature, emphasizing the collision between progress and conservation. Evil Does Not Exist is a thoughtful exploration of character and environment that challenges conventions. Its strength lies in a seemingly simple narrative and a calm rhythm that mirrors the environment it portrays.
As the local water supply is threatened by the developers' plans, the story becomes a tale of environmental protection versus modern society—a reminder of similar conflicts happening around the world.
About the filmmaker
Ryûsuke Hamaguchi (b. 1978) is a Japanese film director and screenwriter. A graduate of Tokyo University of the Arts, he gained international recognition with his film Drive My Car, which was nominated for two Academy Awards—Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. His film Evil Does Not Exist was awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.