Tsuchiya Tao once again shows her versatility as an actress, she really does shine in these dark roles (action, comedy etc). I read Tao turned down the offer to act in this film three times and after having watched this movie, I can definitely see why one would want to turn down the offer after reading such script, especially the ending. Much like in Anikoma, Kasane and now Aishu Cinderella, she rejected those roles at first but has exceled portraying the characters in those too. This honestly has to be her darkest and the most heaviest role I've seen her work on (second being Kasane now) and it's kinda mind-boggling considering her real life sweet, kind personality at first seem like it wouldn't be a good fit for her to take on this kind of story but the fact that she hit it out of the park with this film speaks volumes to her versatility as an actress. Tanaka Kei was no exception as well, he's always good in these psychological genres as well.

The whole time you're watching this film. there's this feeling of ominous in every scene and sense of dread in them, it keeps the viewers on the edge of their seat anticipating for what's going to happen next because you really don't know what to expect afterwards.

The film is then backed up by the many classy music in the background which made for a more suspenseful, ominous atmosphere the entire time giving sinister vibes. I would love to listen to the soundtracks if I could find them, some of them are honestly a delight to listen to.

The cinematography in this film doesn't disappoint as well, I found myself pausing the movie to take screencap so many times lol. The scenes in the afternoon would have very vibrant visuals but gloomy, dark for scenes that screams danger.

I personally have no idea what exactly I'm supposed to be getting from this very twisted story but I find it to be one of those stories that are unapologetic and tragic and it'll leave the viewers feeling dreadful and empty after finishing the movie. Two hours flew by just like that and I wished it was longer, even when I don't know where the story was heading to. The slow-mo shots of kids enthusiastically coming to school and learning near the end and that sort of ending was just a work of Satan, straight up evil and sinister and it left me feeling dreadful. All in all, I found it to be a good watch and I would recommend it, especially for Tsuchiya Tao & Tanaka Kei fans but it's definitely not recommended for the weak-hearted.


(spoilers TW // child death, multiple children deaths)