“Hana” is the type of person who wants to lend a hand, so when she notices a reserved young man seemingly attending their lectures without permission, she offers to share her study materials with him. They quickly become romantically involved, moving in together and starting a family with two children, “Yuki” and “Ame.” She (and the audience) is aware that he possesses an unusual secret that occasionally proves useful—like when they needed pheasant for dinner—but his death in a storm drain throws their lives into upheaval. Now she must raise her children on limited funds while relocating to a place where they, having inherited their father’s peculiar trait, can live without constant observation. She secures a secluded and rundown house for them, which becomes a source of amusement as they work to restore it. As the children mature, “Yuki” finds it easier to connect with classmates, while “Abe” unexpectedly develops into a more serious person and begins desiring a freer existence in the mountains. Financial struggles persist, forcing "Hana" to depend on her own labor in their fields and assistance from supportive neighbors—all while carefully concealing her children’s dual nature. A confrontation at school leads “Yuki” to lash out at a new student, “Sôhei,” altering the family's relationships. As “Abe” shows decreasing interest in maintaining his human identity, "Hana" is confronted with difficult choices as a mother that question fundamental aspects of upbringing and affection. The animation is charmingly detailed, filled with lighthearted moments, and the narrative is deeply shaped by three characters who radiate an unusual aura. While the story takes on a darker tone later on, this feels like a natural progression reflecting the strength of instinct—even when it seems to clash with itself or cause friction among those who care about one another. Themes of fear regarding what’s unfamiliar, gossip, superstition, and the importance of faith are also touched upon, and the ending is deeply emotional but ultimately represents advancement for them all.

Source on TMDB