BUFF ’25 Movie Review: A Heartfelt Attempt That Falls Short
By DEIRDRE CRIMMINS
Starring: Kotone Furukawa, Kôya Matsudai, Yoshiko Inuyama
Directed by: Yûta Shimotsu
Written by: Rumi Kakuta
Produced by: Kadokawa
Navigating the Shadows: A Look at BEST WISHES TO ALL
The world of horror is often enriched by timeless adages, such as “Better safe than sorry” or “Curiosity killed the cat.” These phrases echo throughout the genre’s long, chilling narrative, reminding us of the perils of bravery and curiosity. In BEST WISHES TO ALL, directed by the talented Yûta Shimotsu and executive-produced by horror heavyweight Takashi Shimizu, the film explores yet another haunting saying: “You can never go home again.” However, this return to familiar territory yields mixed results.
A Premise of Unease
Set against the backdrop of a small, seemingly idyllic town, the story follows Kotone Furukawa, who portrays a nursing student taking a much-needed respite from her studies. Her return to her grandparents’ home, a place steeped in nostalgia and fond memories, is meant to be a warm reunion before her family arrives. Yet, as she reconnects with her affectionate grandparents, a sense of foreboding begins to seep into her happy recollections. This tension serves as the very foundation of the film.
The Town’s Dark Secrets
Furukawa’s character quickly realizes that something is undeniably amiss in her childhood hometown. The townsfolk—once familiar faces—act strangely, while her grandparents’ behavior grows increasingly unsettling. Strange questions arise, and an eerie atmosphere hangs perilously close, amplified by mysterious sounds emanating from a locked room upstairs. This unsettling dynamic drives the narrative forward, presenting a labyrinth of secrets waiting to be unraveled.
Captivating Beginnings, Disheartening Endings
(BEST WISHES TO ALL), which evolves from a short film of the same title, possesses a wealth of potential. The premise is rich with opportunities for building tension and suspense as family secrets slowly unravel. The atmosphere created during the film’s first act is compelling, aided significantly by Furukawa’s gripping performance that embodies both fear and curiosity.
However, despite these initial strengths, the film ultimately stumbles. The principal challenge lies in its divergence from the promising path it sets. Rather than fully explore the profound existential questions it hints at, BEST WISHES TO ALL opts for superficial horror elements—choppy sequences of blood and gore that distract from the film’s darker thematic aspirations. Instead of delving deep into the haunting realities it proposes, it skims the surface, leaving audiences longing for the deeper explorations it hints at.
Imagine a masterful film like Martyrs that, instead of diving into the complexities of existential torment, pivots into shallow torture-porn territory. Such a shift would leave viewers feeling similarly disheartened—an unfortunate fate for a film that starts off strong but falters in execution.
Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag
While BEST WISHES TO ALL does showcase some appealing highlights, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. Its initial promise, coupled with engaging performances, is stymied by a narrative that fails to fully realize its potential. As one might say, “I’m not angry, I’m just disappointed.”
Despite its shortcomings, BEST WISHES TO ALL is not a throwaway film. Those who appreciate atmospheric horror may still find value in this effort, even if it doesn’t quite achieve its ambitious goals. It’s a reminder that sometimes, even the best intentions can lead to unpredictable outcomes.
You can catch the trailer here and judge for yourself.
Whether you’re a hardcore horror fan or simply someone looking for an engaging story, BEST WISHES TO ALL offers a glimpse into what could have been, leaving us pondering the question: What truly lies beneath the surface of our familiar worlds?
