Happyend Trailer: Neo Sora's Praised Narrative Debut Scheduled for Release in September

      With the unfortunate hiatus of Metrograph Pictures, several of their releases were left in limbo. Fortunately, Film Movement has stepped in for one of them, Neo Sora’s narrative debut, Happyend (following his initial feature that focused on his father, Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus). Set for release on September 12, the new trailer is now available for this film, which has already been selected for Venice, TIFF, and NYFF.

      Here’s the synopsis: “Best friends Yuta and Kou are on the brink of graduating high school in a near-future Tokyo where the constant threat of a catastrophic earthquake looms over everyday life. One night, they play a significant prank on their principal, resulting in a surveillance system being implemented in their school. With the oppressive security measures and a deteriorating political climate in the country, Kou grows increasingly frustrated with the world, while Yuta remains blissfully unaware. Finding understanding from a passionate student activist, Kou’s political awareness begins to develop. Believing that Yuta wouldn't comprehend his newfound interests, Kou starts to distance himself from his friend. For the first time in their long friendship, they are compelled to address differences they had never acknowledged before.”

      In her review, Savina Petkova remarked, “'Something big is about to change' certainly sets an ominous tone for a debut fiction feature, but director Neo Sora masterfully navigates the delicate balance between anticipation and certainty. Set in the near future, Happyend transforms Tokyo into a vast playground for high school seniors, centered around childhood friends Yuta (Hayato Kurihara) and Kou (Yukito Hidaka). Life is flourishing, and the future seems promising for these teenagers, even as the city is perpetually on alert for a potentially disastrous earthquake. Regular drills and false alarms disrupt the otherwise harmonious rhythm where Yuta and Kou rally their classmates in the Music Research Club, an extracurricular group that's more about enjoyment than practicality. With a fully equipped classroom at their disposal, the group creates a secure microcosm around their shared passion for electronic avant-garde music and simply having a good time.”

      Check out the trailer and poster below.