The upcoming film Bad Summer, based on Wajin Somei's novel, is generating significant buzz as it showcases the chaotic lives of flawed characters battling with issues of morality and desperation. Set to be released nationwide on March 20, 2025, character visuals and trailers featuring Takumi Kitamura as Mamoru Sasaoka have recently been unveiled, highlighting the film's intense narrative.
The story follows Sasaoka, who works as a public servant within the Welfare Division of the city hall. Described as serious yet timid, he gets caught up in troubling circumstances after receiving information from his colleague, Miyada, played by Marie Iitoyo. She alerts him to rumors about their senior Takano, portrayed by Krakra Kiki, allegedly coercing female welfare recipients, including Aimi, played by Yumi Kawai, to engage in sexual relationships.
This assignment triggers Sasaoka's resolve to investigate the merits of these claims, driven by a sense of justice yet simultaneously feeling burdened by his role. Reluctantly, he visits Aimi, who's struggling as a single mother with imminent childcare abandonment issues. Aimi initially denies any relationship with Takano, but it soon becomes evident she is entangled with the criminal mastermind Kanemoto, played by Masataka Kubota, and his associates, Rika and Yamada, portrayed by Yume Arisawa and Pistol Takehara, respectively.
With the storyline weaving through Sasaoka's increasing involvement with Aimi, he gradually becomes entwined with her challenges and the lives of other community members like Yoshimi, played by Haruka Kinami, who face their own struggles. Sasaoka's naivety leads him down paths he never expected; he soon finds himself enveloped by Aimi's complications, causing unforeseen consequences as his idealism clashes with harsh realities.
The character visuals released depict eight characters, showcasing their divergent emotions and the deepening turmoil around them. Images include Sasaoka's haunted expression as he questions, “What could I have done?” showcasing his inner conflict, Aimi's pleading gaze as she implores, “Then help me!” and Kanemoto’s sinister smirk, where he reinforces the dire state of the world they inhabit: “Unfortunately, there's no way to escape from this now.”
Beyond the tense character interactions, the trailer hints at the tumultuous and chaotic events awaiting Sasaoka as he navigates the summer. Characters grapple with their demons amid rising tensions, with visuals illustrating scenes of heated confrontations, emotional turmoil, and moral quandaries. The tone captures the absurdity of their spiraling circumstances; from chaotic outbursts to desperate pleas for help, viewers will undoubtedly feel the intensity of their experiences.
Indeed, Bad Summer promises to be both gripping and poignant as it reflects the struggles of public servants juxtaposed against the darker aspects of urban life. Sasaoka's descent from naivety to disillusionment serves as both cautionary tale and commentary on society, making audiences ponder the true cost of our actions.
With every visual presented, the anticipation for the film builds, as it encourages audiences to ponder the intertwining destinies and the sequential downfall of characters, setting the stage for both chaos and revelations come release day.