Navigating Reality’s Borderlands With Unforgettable Scenes

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Sound of Summer
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 15m
Director(s): Guy
Writer(s): Guy
Cast: Shinya Hankawa, Kaori Hoshino, Kiyomi Kametani, Shiori Kawai, Kuromi Kirishima, Keita Kusaka, Yuina Nagai
Where To Watch: available June 13, 2023; pre-order now here www.amazon.com or www.mvdshop.com

RAVING REVIEW: THE SOUND OF SUMMER spins a tale that radiates as fiercely as the sun in the height of summer. The constant background drone of cicadas sets an eerie tone as we are introduced to an unusual character, the so-called 'Cicada Man.' This local oddball, who takes a peculiar delight in toting around live cicadas, isn't your average Joe; he is a curiosity that causes goosebumps among the locals. Meanwhile, our lead female character wrestles with a nightmarish suspicion that she is now playing host to the Cicada Man's creepy-crawly companions. This thought throws her into a vortex of paranoia and self-inflicted harm, turning her story into a fiery trial of endurance during the unforgiving summer.

Guy (that’s his name,) our independent director, takes center stage with his creative prowess, undeterred by the constraints of his modest budget. Instead of attempting to replicate high-production value films, he focuses on harnessing the boundless possibilities of raw, unchecked creativity. The chilling soundtrack from Microchip Terror and the commendable efforts of an Osaka-based team elevates this fright-fest.

I should mention this; you’ll likely love or hate this without much middle ground. I could appreciate a lot about it, but in the end, the oddness was too much for me (without solid enough reasoning.) I know that some people love that, and if you do, this may be one of your favorite films of the year. This experience was a little bit all over the place, and I promise you that if you watch this based on the IMDb poster on display, you won’t have the experience you’re expecting. I have two big “no-nos” in horror, I don’t know movies that are “weird” for the sake of being weird, and I don’t like “seeing the scary.” This film ultimately commits both of these sins, but there is still something mesmerizing about it for me.

THE SOUND OF SUMMER stitches together a tapestry of psychological and physical terror. Set in a searing Japanese summer. Our plot centers around Kaori Hoshino, a cafe employee, and her coworker, Kiyomi Kametani. Both women are naturally uncomfortable by the existence of the Cicada Man and his insect companions, and Kaori's sanity crumbles at the edges as he inscribes his unsettling influence on their lives.

The eclectic ensemble of seasoned actors and fresh faces infuses authenticity into the film. Each actor's performance aligns with their strengths and individual quirks, thanks to a well-crafted script. Kaori Hoshino captivates the audience as a woman teetering on the brink of madness; her performance is ridiculously authentic as I felt I was almost watching a “real” person going through this.

THE SOUND OF SUMMER is a daring contribution to Japanese cinema from Guy, a British filmmaker making waves in Japan. It mixes themes of paranoia, trauma, obsession, and even dark humor. While the narrative addresses the universal theme of trauma-induced transformation, it continually ensnares the audience with unexpected plot twists. The body horror aspect has never been one of my favorite sub-genres, but this had enough else to offer that still made it enjoyable.

The narrative tightrope walks between the possible mental instability of Kaori, what’s real, what’s not, and what should be feared. This balance is tested further when she meets the Cicada Man, leading to tormented, sleepless nights filled with the constant drone of cicadas and the oppressive heat. THE SOUND OF SUMMER isn't just a feast for the senses; it's a deep dive into the psychological impact of trauma, brilliantly illustrating its transformative effect on its characters.

BONUS MATERIALS:
Behind The Scenes of The Sound of Summer
Tokyo Talkshow with the creators of The Sound of Summer, Loud and legendary director Shozin Fukui
Japanese Premiere
Trailers

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[photo courtesy of UNEARTHED FILMS/MVD ENTERTAINMENT]