Movie Digest
She Came, otherwise known as Mari and Mari, is a twisted story of love, romance, and mystery. The story follows Norio, a former casting agent, living peacefully with his girlfriend Mari Tanabe for three years. Their peaceful lives, however, are abruptly disturbed when Nario experiences a weird sensation. The sun shifts and shines through his apartment, revealing that Mari is not there. Instead, an unfamiliar woman is here to live with him. The eerie woman then introduces herself as Mari. Who is this pale-skinned mysterious individual, and where is Mari Tanabe? What will Norio do now? Watch the movie and find out.
The Feel-Good Part
Norio wants a simple life with his girlfriend, but seeing how he behaves when things go awry is interesting. The movie presents a very interesting concept. It is a concept of how much a person loves their partner and whether they’d be willing to shift their lives over just because they cannot find their partner. The story of someone moving on after the disappearance of their lover is not new. But this film can treat it with such bizarreness that you can’t help but wonder what happens next. You can never tell what happens next in this film. Some moments are unexpected or make no sense. But end up watching it till the end just to see how the entire story plays out. This story is truly a very interesting film concept.
The Disappointing Factor
This movie is frustratingly vague. Not only does it leave a lot of what happens to the audience’s imagination, but it also fails to explain many things. Even the ending remains ambiguous. The film’s entire concept is lost in its bizarreness that it forgets to answer many questions, leaving several moments incoherent and nonsensical. The film also feels longer than it is due to its inability to maintain a steady pace. Some scenes could have easily been cut out or shortened, but instead, it leaves the audience with a lingering feeling that does not lead to a satisfying conclusion towards the film’s end. But regardless of the many issues this movie has, it is still a fascinating concept. With better execution, it could have been a really good movie.
In-Depth Analysis
She Came is a film that does not necessarily hit the nail on the head of foreshadowing, avant-garde cinema, or anything that can be classified as suspenseful or bizarre. It loses a lot of its magic through its cryptic and vague nature. What saves the film, however, is the story’s concept. You almost forgive the incoherence due to the film’s ability to sell an interesting idea. But will the concept is interesting. There is only so much an idea can help. Without a smooth plan, thoroughly enjoying this film isn’t easy.
Star Power
Yamanishi Tatsuya directed the film. The film happens to be his directorial debut. He is famous for several supporting roles in Nagoya Yuki Saishuu Ressha: Season 6, Keishichou Sousa Ikka 9-Gakari Season 12, and Kakeguri the Movie. Maehara Kou plays Norio. While for most of the film, his character does not seem phased by the idea of his girlfriend being replaced, he manages to become a very special role. The actor has starred in several other dramas, and TV shows such as Asagaya Shimai no Nohohon Futarigurashi, Someone, March Comes in Like a Lion, Guard Center 24, and Ano Ie Kurasu Yo-nin no Onna. Our two Mari’s are played by Amano Hana and Nao. Amano Hana plays the pale replacement Mari to perfection. Her delivery of cryptic moments is done so convincingly that it leaves you with many questions that need to be answered. Nao, on the other hand, plays the Mari that goes missing. We root for Norio to find her because of the chemistry she can invoke through her acting. Nao is best known for her roles in Enjiya, Nono’s Bath, Buzzer Beat, Haruka’s Poetry, My Favourite Girl, and The Ringside Side. We also have fantastic supporting roles from Murata Hirona, Kamikawa Shusaku, Nakayama Kyuichiro, and more.
Overall Opinion
Do not go into this film expecting a coherent and well-paced story. There is a lot of ambiguity, and the movie makes the viewer piece the puzzle together. Whether or not that is a good thing depends on personal preference.
