nyff

Japanese writer/director Neo Sora’s Happyend chronicles high school friends, on graduation eve, confronting retaliation for a silly prank that goes awry. Taking advantage of an intolerant, hierarchical environment, the principal introduces AI surveillance that enrages students. Tension builds, confrontations escalate, and each student must decide what values will guide significant decisions for their future advancement. Set in a near-future Tokyo high school, it is anchored primarily in the perspective of Kou, a thoughtful student, who has bonded with best friend Yuta, both aspiring DJs. Their world is circumscribed by periodic earthquake sirens and the intrusive, all-encompassing visual scrutiny that follows the misguided targeting of the authoritative principal’s beloved, bright yellow sports car.