A Beautiful Star

A dark and surreal comedy based loosely on a 1962 novel by Yukio Mishima.

A placid TV weather forecaster Osugi is overwhelmed by a strange solar phenomenon and wakes up hours later believing he is an emissary from the League of Solar Planets. His weather broadcasts soon turn into apocalyptic rants that prophesize the impending doom that is climate change. Before long, each family member takes their own conflicting positions on the fate of planet Earth—until a human tragedy pulls them together.

Director Yoshida (Pale Moon, The Kirishima Thing) creates a surreal but relatable narrative combining themes of delusion and desire, set against a backdrop of climate change and sinister politics. A thoughtful and unforgettable film.