SummaryIn the rural alpine hamlet of Mizubiki, not far from Tokyo, Takumi and his daughter, Hana, lead a modest life gathering water, wood, and wild wasabi for the local udon restaurant. Increasingly, the townsfolk become aware of a talent agency’s plan to build an opulent glamping site nearby, offering city residents a comfortable “escape” to the snowy... Read More
Directed By:Ryûsuke Hamaguchi
Written By:Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, Eiko Ishibashi
Evil Does Not Exist
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
83
User score
Generally Favorable
6.5
My Score
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Metascore
Universal Acclaim
83
93% Positive
37 Reviews
37 Reviews
5% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
3% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
May 11, 2024
100
Evil Does Not Exist, the new film from Drive My Car director Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, is a slow-burning wonder, an eco-fable of meditative beauty and menace, down-to-earth realism, and mythic resonances.
May 3, 2024
90
After so fruitful a collaboration on “Drive My Car,” Hamaguchi and Ishibashi may have topped themselves with something even more compelling.
User score
Generally Favorable
6.5
65% Positive
46 Ratings
46 Ratings
17% Mixed
12 Ratings
12 Ratings
18% Negative
13 Ratings
13 Ratings
Jan 15, 2025
9
Some films whisper their brilliance—and Evil Does Not Exist is one of them. Evil Does Not Exist is a masterclass in deliberate storytelling, where every frame is a testament to Ryusuke Hamaguchi's directorial prowess. The film's unhurried pace allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the serene yet tension-filled world of Mizubiki Village. The cinematography by Yoshio Kitagawa captures the natural beauty of the setting with breathtaking precision, making each scene feel like a carefully composed photograph. Hitoshi Omika brings a quiet strength to Takumi, blending seamlessly into the film’s natural rhythm. Watching him move through simple tasks—like chopping wood or gathering water—becomes almost hypnotic, drawing you deeper into the stillness and isolation of Mizubiki Village. These everyday moments aren’t rushed or dramatized; they simply exist, allowing the film’s atmosphere to settle in and speak for itself. The narrative unfolds with a quiet intensity, leading to an ending that is both unsettling and thought-provoking. Hamaguchi doesn't provide easy answers, instead inviting viewers to grapple with the film's moral and environmental themes long after the credits roll. This open-ended conclusion enhances the film's impact, leaving a lasting impression of unease and contemplation. Evil Does Not Exist is a cinematic journey that demands patience and rewards it generously. It's a film that lingers in the mind, prompting reflection on humanity's relationship with nature and the unintended consequences of progress. A truly remarkable piece of cinema that stands out in contemporary filmmaking.
Jan 9, 2025
9
One of 2024’s most discussable, debatable movies stops you in your tracks and makes you think like no other movie has in a very long time. Watch it and wait for the ending.
May 8, 2024
88
The ambiguous finale provides neither certainty nor respite, and may prove frustrating for some. I had no idea where Hamaguchi’s cautionary tale was taking me, but I remained intrigued until the bitter end.
Sep 6, 2023
80
It may not be wholly successful, but it certainly is bleakly fascinating to witness a master filmmaker paint so subtle and soothing a portrait of humanity, only to finally, bitterly remind us that there is no soothing nature – human or otherwise – when there’s a bullet in its belly.
Sep 15, 2023
75
For what it is, the film is immaculately directed and staged with the quiet competence of a superlative filmmaker.
May 11, 2024
25
For all the beautiful scenery and Thoreau-like contemplation, Evil Does Not Exist stalls, then implodes.
May 20, 2024
9
"Evil Does Not Exist," directed by Ryūsuke Hamaguchi, is a visually arresting and contemplative film that examines the delicate balance between humanity and nature. Set in a tranquil Japanese village, the narrative unfolds slowly, immersing the audience in the serene yet poignant environment. The film’s exploration of environmental themes and moral dilemmas is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. With its strong performances and exquisite cinematography, "Evil Does Not Exist" is a profound cinematic experience that lingers long after viewing.
May 6, 2024
9
a huantingly bizzare, truly mysterious tale with a jawdropping ending that leaves the viewer reflecting long after the credits roll.
May 24, 2024
5
Ryûsuke Hamaguchi's Drive My Car won an Oscar for Best International Foreign Film (my review). His new movie still utilizes a flat, objective camera, mundane pace and lots of observational moments. It's set in a small village outside Tokyo, where a man and his daughter live a modest life and appreciate nature (the opening shot spends 4 minutes looking up at trees). Conflict arises when a company decides to build a glamping site nearby. Every day activities and strolls thru the forest make up much of the activity until the business people show up. The only scene with any discord is a town meeting that reflects the culture's polite temperament. Thru it all is a slow film with quiet observations…until the completely unexpected, unexplained final scene. (Japanese with subtitles)
Oct 12, 2025
3
Chop wood, carry water, like the Zen guy said. The villagers fear that a septic tank will poison their water. A bad plot that meanders into a pointless ending. The story lines go unresolved. A big disappointment.
May 21, 2024
2
This film is alright until the end, which is completely incomprehensible. On the whole it's also a bit too slow. If you like looking up at the tops of trees in a forest, you might enjoy this movie, because there's lots of that. I'm not saying it's not beautiful, because it is, but it goes on too long. And then there's the guy working for the commercial developer who has a sudden (and hardly believable) life crisis.
