Kôji Fukada’s second movie about an outsider inserting himself into a seemingly peaceful family is quite something. The stranger initially begins working for the family in their home-based business, then moves in with them, and eventually connections between him and the family are shown and taken advantage of. Kanji Furutachi played the stranger in the earlier film, _Hospitalité_, and he takes on the role of the family man this time around. I think this one is better. Whenever a character’s introduction involves awkward eating—it's such a basic way to define someone: they are an idiot, with something bad looming. Both the family man and the stranger are presented like this. And they both turn out to be unpleasant people. Not exactly unexpected. The first part of the film is full of amateurish indie stuff, but once that initial material—including Asano’s dull monologue that gets things going—is done, the movie finds its pace. It's frighteningly good, and only then does it become surprising. There's a shift in characters roughly halfway through, and trying to understand their relationships and reasons for doing what they do really kept me on edge. The second half of the film feels like walking a tightrope. Asano has pretty much done this character type too many times, I think. He’s played it countless times before. I don't believe he brings anything new to it here, but he isn't bad. Kanji Furutachi is effective as a creepy person. In the beginning, he attempts to act like one and doesn't quite succeed. Later on, he embodies creepiness and it’s fantastic. However, the standout performer in this film is Mariko Tsutsui as the wife. Her face seems naturally suited for unbelievable sadness. She does that Japanese thing of staying composed when faced with something completely shocking, and she does it beautifully. There are several intense moments in the movie where I would have lost my mind if I were her; I had no idea how she was going to react. She’s remarkable. It's almost like a lack of acting. She looks as though she is processing information for the very first time—not performing the role of someone doing so. Wonderful! What happens to the kid is funny, sad, incredibly strange and then some. The film keeps it subtle, which amplifies the humor, sadness, strangeness, and everything else. I’m not sure what the ending means; it felt vague and disappointing but didn't ruin anything for me. I would suggest this movie to people who don’t mind awkward eating scenes or might miss obvious indie clichés, and those willing to overlook weak script writing and acting during a film’s initial setup.

Source on TMDB