TEHRAN- “Evil Does Not Exist”, a 2023 drama by Japanese film director and screenwriter Ryusuke Hamaguchi was reviewed during a session at the Cinematheque of the Iranian Artists Forum (IAF) on Friday.

A number of Iranian film critics attended a screening of the film followed by a review session.

"Evil Does Not Exist" premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize and the FIPRESCI Award from the International Federation of Film Critics. It also received the Best Film award at the 2023 BFI London Film Festival.

The film takes place in the serene village of Mizubiki, where a widower, Takumi, lives with his young daughter, Hana. The peace is disrupted by the arrival of a new real estate project, which aims to build a glamping site and has the potential to irreparably damage the village's ecosystem. The developers, Takahashi and Mayuzumi, downplay the concerns of the villagers, but Takumi's warnings about the site's impact on the environment fall on deaf ears.

As tensions rise, strange and unexplained gunshot noises are heard in the distance. The villagers are initially uneasy, but they soon become accustomed to the sounds. However, when Hana goes missing, the villagers' sense of unease turns to panic. Takumi's search for his daughter is met with resistance from the developers, who are more concerned with pushing forward with their project than finding Hana.

The film's exploration of human nature is a central theme. The developers, who initially seem like villains, are shown to be flawed and struggling individuals. Takahashi, in particular, is drawn to Takumi's way of life and begins to question his own motivations. Meanwhile, Takumi's actions become increasingly erratic as he becomes more desperate to find his daughter.

As Takumi and Takahashi venture deeper into the forest, they are confronted with the harsh realities of nature. The film's haunting conclusion leaves the audience to ponder the themes of human nature and the existence of evil.

Throughout the film, Hamaguchi employs a slow-burning tension that builds towards a shocking climax. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of the forest and its inhabitants. The score is equally effective, adding depth and emotion to the film's most poignant moments.

"Evil Does Not Exist" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged film that challenges its audience to confront their own morality. 

"Evil Does Not Exist" has received widespread critical acclaim and has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations.

The film won the Grand Jury Prize of the Venice International Film Festival as well as it’s FIPRESCI Award by the International Federation of Film Critics. It also won the Best Film award at the BFI London Film Festival. 

SAB/