Makio Suzuki works as a janitor at a university by day and, by night, he is secretly devoted to building a bomb. When he learns of a meeting for “The Outsiders’ Club” on campus, he attends out of curiosity. There, four students who call themselves “outsiders” gather to discuss their discomfort with society and the university. Makio joins the group as if he were being swept along, and, as the dialogue between people of different ages and positions gradually intersects with each other, he reveals his inner destructive impulse and shares his “plan” with the members. Quietly but surely, the wheels of fate begin to turn.
This is NISHIZAKI Hami’s complete remake of her film The Outsiders’ Club (2023), which was an official selection of the Indie Forum section of the 20th Osaka Asian Film Festival. This collective ensemble drama features new cast members and a sharper visual sheen to deliver what feels like a fresh take on its dark story. [Jason MAHER]