Yuji found his photographer grandfather Tetsuro an inspirational man. He taught the lad about the art of cameras, their use, and their power. Yuji comes to regret taking Tetsuro’s picture after being warned that cameras can steal souls and the old man passes away. His death puts Yuji in touch with Rei, Tetsuro’s muse. Gradually, the two drift to meeting at Tetsuro’s studio where the detritus of a life once lived offers comfort. It is there that Rei tells Yuji, “take a picture of me and kill me”.

YASUMOTO Miku’s third feature film feels like an assured and personal work. It demands patience and rewards a viewer with a rich atmosphere of two people emerging from a stasis via the cocoon-like atmosphere of the studio while under the guidance of memory and artistic passion. [Jason MAHER]