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‘Evil Does Not Exist’ (2023): Film Review
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s latest film meditates on the complex relationship between man and nature
Fresh from Oscar glory, Ryusuke Hamaguchi returns to the festival circuit with his latest offering Evil Does Not Exist. Following the critical acclaim of Drive My Car, crafting its follow-up is no small feat, but Hamaguchi once again weaves an affecting story worth telling on the big screen. Premiering at the 80th Venice Film Festival, the film garnered acclaim amongst critics and audiences alike, nabbing the Grand Jury Prize.
Set in the remote village of Harasawa, the film follows the mundane but humble lives of the local residents, particularly Takumi (Hitoshi Omika) and his daughter Hana (Ryo Nishikawa). The opening sequence is framed carefully with an upward tracking shot of towering trees in the forest, immersing urban viewers in a cinematic retreat into the woods. As sun rays beat down on the trees, Eiko Ishibashi’s haunting score lingers ominously in the background — the first indicator of imminent mayhem.
Hamaguchi seemingly places nature on a pedestal in his pastoral tale, or at least as something omnipresent and potentially dangerous if not respected. Takumi is careful in his every step, meticulously gathering wasabi leaves and collecting spring water from a…
