Amiko

Yusuke Morii's 2022 Japanese film follows Amiko, who is not like other children. Her energy never runs out; she is an outcast at school and causes trouble at home. When the family suffers a loss, the house goes quiet. Amiko does not understand it and keeps trying to reach everyone; the film does not treat her as a problem to be corrected and shows those around her withdrawing. It is adapted from a novel. The young performer carries the film. The images are by the sea; the tone is calm and merciless. Who it's for: those who like Japanese independent cinema and narratives told from a child's view. Who it's not for: viewers wanting a comforting close; the film does not give one.