Navigating adulthood is challenging enough on its own, but when complicated by difficult circumstances, it can become overwhelming for those without the guidance and understanding needed to deal with everything they're already facing. This forms the core idea behind writer-director Neo Sora's newest film. The movie tells a coming-of-age story set in a futuristic version of Tokyo where the constant threat of a massive earthquake keeps everyone anxious. Adding to this tense atmosphere is an authoritarian government enforcing intrusive surveillance and policing measures, supposedly for public safety, but mainly targeting young people, minority groups, and those involved in protests. The narrative follows five outspoken high school students (Hayato Kurihara, Yukito Hidaka, Yȗta Hiyashi, Shina Peng, Arazi) as they approach graduation and try to understand their changing lives and the chaotic world around them—a world that feels like it’s about to fall into a dystopian future, regardless of what authorities are doing. Based on this description alone, one might expect an engaging film. However, “Happyend” often feels aimless and unfocused. It's possible the filmmakers intended for this loose approach to mirror the characters’ confusion and bewilderment, but it ultimately becomes tiresome and lacks direction. This leaves audiences unsure of what they’re supposed to take away from the experience. The film could be viewed as a warning related to current events in our world—particularly concerning compliance, fear tactics, and prejudice against certain groups—which is certainly something worth considering. But does that alone make it successful? I don't think so, regardless of the filmmaker’s good intentions. It would be beneficial to heed the urgency of the message here; however, it likely would have been more effective if the film had a clearer focus, especially given how quickly time may be running out to prevent the kinds of disasters shown on screen.

Source on TMDB