Delicate: A Tokyo-Inspired Reflection on Loneliness

Chie Hayakawa: A Distinct Voice in Contemporary Cinema

In her debut feature Plan 75, which premiered at Cannes in 2022, Chie Hayakawa offered a **quietly disconcerting vision** of the future. This film explores a world in which Japanese residents over the age of 75 could elect to be euthanized. At first glance, the program seems **benign**, but as the film unfolds, it exposes how the policy **thrives** on the cruel capitalist tenet that people are **disposable**. Plan 75 won a “special mention” for the **Camera d’Or** (best first film) that year and positioned Hayakawa as a director to watch closely. Fast forward three years, and the Japanese filmmaker is back with her latest work, Renoir, which premiered in competition at Cannes.

A Poetic Meditation on Childhood

Renoir is a **poetic meditation** on a pivotal summer in the life of 11-year-old Fuki, portrayed beautifully by newcomer Yui Suzuki. Set in suburban Tokyo in 1987, the film captures Fuki’s emotional landscape as she navigates her father’s battle with cancer, her mother’s **ambient stress**, and persistent **loneliness**. This cinematic journey unfolds at the speed of a **leisurely stroll**, employing direct yet not harsh cuts, courtesy of editor Anne Klotz, to guide viewers from one scenario to the next.

Fuki’s Journey Through Imagination and Reality

As the story progresses, we follow Fuki as she **wanders** through the city and momentarily retreats into her **imagination**. Throughout her journey, hobbies are acquired, friends are made, and relationships evolve. While there are moments towards the end of Renoir that take sentimental turns, they never feel overwhelmingly **obvious**, maintaining the subtlety that characterizes Hayakawa’s narrative style. With its delicate storytelling, the film is poised to resonate beyond the festival circuit, particularly with the **arthouse crowd**.

The Blend of Childhood and Grief

Hayakawa masterfully blends elements typically found in **lyrical coming-of-age films** (think All Dirt Road Taste of Salt). The film rewards **patience** through its fragmented narratives and surrealist touches. Not everyone may be drawn to its pace, but Renoir engages viewers in a whisper-like conversation, inviting a deeper understanding of the director’s personal reflections stemming from her own experiences with a terminally ill parent.

A Dreamy Aesthetic

Working once again with cinematographer Hideho Urata, known from her previous work on Plan 75, Hayakawa embraces a **dreamy aesthetic** that offers insight into a child’s ever-curious perspective. At one point, Fuki encounters a man (Ayumu Nakajima) that her mother, Utako (Hikari Ishida), has introduced. He jokingly questions whether she finds his face interesting—an assertion that immediately resonates with Fuki’s inquisitive nature. Her piercing gaze reflects both her innocence and intensity, adding depth to her character.

A Journey into Darkness

The film opens with a **harrowing sequence**, introducing Fuki as she watches a **VHS montage** of crying infants, later discarded in her apartment complex’s trash room. It is here that she meets a strange man who poses invasive questions, prompting her to flee. This unsettling incident is soon revealed to be part of a short story Fuki has penned for a school assignment, giving insight into her mind’s grappling with themes of **grief** and **loss**.

Navigating Adult Anxiety

Fuki’s world is deeply intertwined with **adult anxieties**. As her father, Keiji (Lily Franky), fights cancer, her mother struggles under the weight of responsibility. The overwhelming stress leads Utako to seek long-term care for her husband, which in itself presents a **complex emotional challenge**. While Fuki navigates this turbulent landscape, she seeks solace through new friendships and hobbies to combat loneliness.

A Constant Obsession with Magic

Fuki’s fascination with magic and **telepathy** is a recurring theme throughout the film. Early on, she becomes captivated by an English-language show where a musician appears to perform **psychic feats**. Fuki takes the directive to concentrate seriously, often enlisting friends like Kuriko (Yuumi Kawai) to participate in her ritualistic games. However, when Kuriko moves away, the heartbreak deepens, leaving Fuki once again isolated.

Emotional Resonance Amidst Simplicity

The strength of Renoir lies in Yui Suzuki’s **compelling performance**. Her wide-eyed, penetrating gaze captures both Fuki’s innocence and her profound curiosity. As viewers, we feel a protective instinct toward this character who fetches both discomfort and tenderness. When Fuki meets the young man she has been talking to on the phone, a wave of anxious tension engulfs the story, amplifying the stakes of her encounter.

A Deep Dive into Emotional Life

Finally, Hayakawa’s genuine care for Fuki translates on screen. She skillfully navigates the complexities of Fuki’s emotional life, ensuring the film doesn’t veer into melodrama. Through its moments of simplicity and subtlety, Renoir stands as a profound exploration of childhood, **grief**, and the universal human experience.