Don't Call It Mystery: The Movie (2023)

Way too predictable mystery, same flaws as the series but beautiful context + location

The story is centred around a singular mystery and I appreciate the fact that there was enough content in terms of plot for a full length movie. I also really enjoyed the context and location in which the characters are evolving.

However, I anticipated all the revelations of the scenario, nothing came as a surprise and the resolution of the mystery was super expected from the get go, which tempered heavily my enjoyment of the story. I found the teaching moments provided by the main character interesting in their content but it was too heavily given without any subtlety, for me to really resonate with it.

Acting was okay for the main roles but with some really weak points for some of the support parts. I also regret to have seen almost no Garo, as it is the interactions of this character with the hero Totono that were the best part of the drama to me: it was totally lacking here. I am super happy to have found back Hagiwara Riku in a support role and I am curious to see more of Hara Nanoka as well.

Soundtrack was okay, with the generic song that I like from the drama, very slice of life in a way and less overpowering than in the main series. Production was very good with some beautiful landscapes.

I would recommend this to people that loved the drama Don't call it Mystery. The qualities and flaws are consistent between both series and film. Therefore, if you enjoyed the drama, you will likely enjoy the movie as well. On the contrary, if like myself you had already lukewarm feelings for the drama, the film will definitely not change your mind.

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A long episode of the drama

Note:
- I have read the manga volumes of the story the movie is based on. Hence my opinions will likely be skewed.

Likes:
- Feels like an extra long episode of the show. If you like the show, you will probably like this.
- High concentration of Totonou's appearance
- It is a very self-contained movie. It does not require audience to recall minor plot points of the drama while distinctly understood it itself is also an extension, leaving season 2 as a likely possibility.

Dislikes:
- Similarly while I do like it being self-contained, I also found myself wanting to see the continuation of the main series. though I am certainly someone waiting for a season 2.
- Certain acting can be slightly awkward.
- The movie cut out certain plot points from the original story, which I think would have helped to land the ending better.

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