‘Evil Does Not Exist’ review: Ryusuke Hamaguchi weaves a captivating cautionary tale [Video]

It might feel a bit obvious, the message of Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s latest film Evil Does Not Exist. But nonetheless, it hits home hard. 

The prolific Drive My Car director’s reputation for deeply impactful films precedes him, and his new film, which casts a sense of survivalist dread upon the natural world amid corporate development, doesn’t mince words with its warning. Evil Does Not Exist is an exciting step forward for Hamaguchi, pushing the boundaries of dramatic tension with a project a long time in the works.

What is Evil Does Not Exist about?

Evil Does Not Existtells the story of Takumi (Hitoshi Omika), who resides with his daughter, Hana (Ryo Nishikawa), in a small village outside of Tokyo, where they live in harmonious accordance with nature and its wills. But when a development plan to erect a glamping — as in glamorous camping — site near Takumi’s home is discovered by the villagers, the effects of the misguided project have negative …