Cloud (2024) by Kiyoshi Kurosawa

“Cloud” is a 2024 Japanese psychological thriller directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. The film centers on Ryosuke Yoshii, a young man who supplements his income by reselling goods online under the pseudonym “Ratel.” His activities trigger a series of cyber incidents that quickly escalate, putting him in mortal danger and blurring the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds.

Ryosuke Yoshii, leading a seemingly ordinary life with a mundane job and a girlfriend, runs a successful online reselling business under the alias “Ratel.” After gaining considerable profit, he quits his job and moves to the countryside with his girlfriend, hiring a local young man to assist him. However, Yoshii’s seemingly idyllic new life is shattered by a series of mysterious attacks from unknown assailants. As the threats intensify, he discovers he has made multiple enemies online, leading to a dangerous and escalating situation where the anonymity of the internet offers little protection, and the lines between the virtual and real become increasingly blurred.

Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s vision for “Cloud” explores the dark side of modern connectivity, where online activities can have severe real-world consequences. As stated by Kurosawa, “profiteering and revenge overlap and amplify, eventually setting violent acts into motion, and before you know it, there’s no turning back.”1 He aims to depict how easily individuals can slip into morally questionable and dangerous activities in the shadowy realm of the internet, leading to tangible threats and a breakdown of the distinction between digital and physical malice. The film captures an eerie tension, characteristic of Kurosawa’s style, with atmospheric settings and unsettling visuals, echoing his earlier exploration of internet-incubated anxieties in “Pulse” (2001).

• The Dark Side of the Internet: The film delves into the dangers of online anonymity, deceit, and the ease with which malicious intentions can escalate into real-world threats.

• Profit and Revenge: The narrative highlights how the pursuit of profit online can intertwine with desires for revenge, creating a volatile and dangerous cycle.

• Blurring of Virtual and Physical: “Cloud” explores the diminishing distinction between online and offline realities, where actions in the digital sphere have direct and violent repercussions in the physical world.

• Modern Connectivity and Isolation: The film touches upon the paradox of hyper-connectivity in the digital age leading to potential isolation and vulnerability.

• Atmospheric Tension and Suspense: Kurosawa’s signature style effectively builds unease through long takes, subtle sound design, and a focus on mundane details that gradually become unsettling.

• Strong Lead Performances: The performances of Masaki Suda as Ryosuke Yoshii and Nana Komatsu as his girlfriend are likely crucial in portraying the characters’ descent into paranoia and fear.

• Exploration of Contemporary Anxieties: The film taps into current anxieties surrounding online security, privacy, and the potential for digital interactions to have harmful real-world effects.

• Kurosawa’s Distinctive Style: Fans of Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s work will appreciate his unique blend of psychological thriller elements with his characteristic visual and thematic concerns.

“Cloud” is a suspenseful Japanese thriller by Kiyoshi Kurosawa about an online reseller whose digital activities lead to dangerous real-world threats, blurring the lines between the virtual and physical.

• Venice International Film Festival 2024: Premiered out of competition.

• Academy Awards 2025: Selected as the Japanese entry for Best International Feature Film but was not nominated.

• Busan International Film Festival 2024: Selected for Gala Presentation.

• MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024: Selected under the World Cinema section.

Critics have noted “Cloud” as a visually striking and thought-provoking film that showcases Kurosawa’s distinctive style. IMDb highlights the effective establishment of unease and the compelling exploration of the dark side of the internet. However, it also points out the uneven pacing and the jarring shift towards an action-oriented revenge story in the second half, which might not appeal to all viewers.

• IMDb: Mentions the film’s atmospheric tension created through long takes and subtle sound design, as well as its critique of the internet’s potential for manipulation. However, it also notes the uneven pacing and the abrupt genre shift in the latter half.

• The Blogging Banshee: Describes “Cloud” as a slow-burn thriller punctuated by darkly comedic moments, praising the performances of Masaki Suda and Nana Komatsu and the effective set design. The reviewer suggests that while the pacing might be slow for some, the climax offers plenty of action.

• Strange Harbors: Highlights the film’s surprising tonal whiplash from a contemplative internet crime drama to a bullet-laden pursuit. The review praises Kurosawa’s skillful orchestration of the action sequences and sees the film as a biting commentary on detached online communication and modern consumer culture.

Overall, reviews suggest a visually interesting thriller with Kurosawa’s unique touch, but with potential issues in pacing and genre consistency.

“Cloud” is a Japanese production. It was produced by Nikkatsu and Tokyo Theatres Company.

• Blue Finch Film Releasing (Country: UK, Ireland) Acquired the rights for distribution in the UK and Ireland.

• Plaion Pictures GmbH (Country: German-speaking Europe) Acquired the rights for distribution in German-speaking Europe.

• Media Castle (Country: South Korea) Acquired the rights for distribution in South Korea.

• Golden Scene (Country: Hong Kong, Macau) Acquired the rights for distribution in Hong Kong and Macau.

The film was released in Japan on September 27, 2024, and a theatrical release is planned for the UK and Ireland. It has also been screened at various international film festivals throughout 2024.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• For Fans of Kiyoshi Kurosawa: If you appreciate his unique blend of suspense, psychological thriller elements, and exploration of societal anxieties, “Cloud” offers another example of his distinctive filmmaking style.

• Explores Timely and Relevant Themes: The film delves into the dark side of the internet and the blurring lines between online and offline realities, which are increasingly pertinent in our digitally connected world.

• Visually Striking Cinematography: Reviews highlight the film’s compelling visual style and atmospheric tension, promising a visually engaging experience.

• Intriguing Premise: The story of an online reseller facing real-world danger due to his digital activities offers a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative.

• Suspenseful Thriller with Unexpected Twists: The film promises a slow-burn thriller that takes surprising turns, potentially leading to a gripping viewing experience.

• Exploration of Morally Ambiguous Characters: The protagonist’s involvement in online reselling that leads to dangerous consequences suggests a morally complex character study.

• International Perspective on Tech-Related Anxiety: As a Japanese film, it offers a unique cultural perspective on the anxieties surrounding technology and online interactions.

• Showcases the Work of an Acclaimed Director: Kiyoshi Kurosawa is a well-respected figure in international cinema, and “Cloud” provides an opportunity to experience his latest work.

What Movie Trend film is following:

• Tech Thrillers: “Cloud” aligns with the trend of tech thrillers that explore the darker aspects of the internet, cybercrime, and the impact of technology on individuals and society. It echoes Kurosawa’s earlier film “Pulse” in its exploration of technologically mediated anxieties.

What Big Social Trend is following:

• Anxiety About Online Security and Privacy: The film taps into the growing social trend of concern and anxiety surrounding online security, data privacy, and the potential for anonymity to be exploited for malicious purposes.

• Blurring of Online and Offline Lives: “Cloud” reflects the increasing integration and blurring of our online and offline lives, highlighting the real-world consequences of digital actions.

“Cloud” is a noteworthy addition to Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s filmography, offering a suspenseful exploration of the dark side of the internet and the blurring lines between the virtual and physical. While some critics noted issues with pacing and tonal shifts, the film’s visual style, timely themes, and Kurosawa’s distinct directorial vision make it a compelling watch for fans of the genre and the director alike.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Continue to Explore the Psychological Impact of Technology: Kurosawa effectively uses the digital realm to create psychological tension. Further exploration of technology’s impact on human psychology can yield compelling narratives.

• Experiment with Genre Blending but Maintain Cohesion: While the tonal shift in “Cloud” was noted, experimenting with genre elements can be interesting. However, ensuring a smoother transition or integration of genres might enhance the viewing experience for a broader audience.

• Focus on Character Development Within Technological Contexts: Exploring how characters navigate and are affected by the complexities of the digital world can lead to rich and resonant storytelling.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support International Co-productions and Distribution: Facilitating the co-production and wider distribution of films like “Cloud” allows for a greater diversity of voices and perspectives in global cinema.

• Recognize and Promote Films That Address Contemporary Social Issues: Films that engage with relevant social trends, such as the anxieties surrounding online technology, can spark important conversations and connect with audiences.

• Provide Platforms for Established Auteurs to Continue Creating: Supporting established directors like Kiyoshi Kurosawa ensures the continued production of unique and thought-provoking cinema that contributes to the art form.