A Japanese village’s tranquil existence is threatened by plans for a campsite development in a complex and ambiguous eco-fable.

Takumi spends his time peacefully with his young daughter in Mizubiki village, chopping wood and gathering pure water from the nearby stream. But there are already ominous signs that this way of life is under threat, and news of the proposed tourist resort confirms those fears. The developers plan to install a septic tank despite the villagers fears that this will poison their water supply.

The jeopardy faced by Takumi’s community reflects much larger global concerns, but award-winning director Ryusuke Hamaguchi (Drive My Car) avoids superficial judgments while carefully building a deep sense of unease, heightened by Eiko Ishibashi’s atmospheric score.

Hitoshi Omika makes a striking acting debut as Takumi, having previously worked with Hamiguchi as a Production Manager. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Venice Film Festival, Evil Does Not Exist is a timely and unsettling study of humanity, nature and the threats to our survival.

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