Plenty of films have been made about people being copied, and the world is full of thrillers in which an ordinary person is drawn into extraordinary circumstances. It's a great credit to filmmaker Asato Mari that while 'Bilocation' operates within tried and true spaces, this instance is genuinely haunting, and it definitively earns the "thriller" label. The sci-fi horror is subtler, taking a backseat to those predominant airs, but it's more like the sinister edge is the backseat driver calling the shots as the minutes tick by. With a major, twisted psychological element further propelling the feature, there are no two ways about it - this is outstanding, and I'm surprised that it isn't more visible within genre spaces.
True, there are times when it seems to me that Asato was struggling somewhat with the material she conjured from Hojo Haruka's story. I recognize the immense complexity of the concept and story at hand, and it comes across that Asato knew she was only scraping the surface of everything that could be done with the notion of bilocation. In turn, our heads buzz with all the ideas that are dallied with, and it also seems like some are not necessarily given all their due even as the primary thrust eventually reveals itself. This is perhaps the difficulty of the format of a single full-length picture; in 2024 it seems all but hackneyed to suggest that maybe 'Bilocation' might benefit from being developed as a miniseries, but that doesn't mean it's not true.
Be that as it may, that's not even an outright criticism and more of a point meriting discussion. The fact of the matter is that this is plainly stunning, a complicated swirl of psychological drama, thriller, and sci-fi horror. It's violent and jarring, but elsewhere also carries deep, meaningful impact, with thought-provoking notes of tragedy and profundity. It's the sort of title that almost necessitates watching again just to take in all the staggering detail and nuanced thought poured into every corner. As far as I'm concerned it's the sort of piece that should have put Asato on the map as a filmmaker, for the narrative is at first curious and fascinating before becoming intensely compelling and absorbing, and well before all is said and done it runs the gamut of a wide range of moods, taking decidedly unexpected turns. No less consideration went into the characters, who are actually paramount in this saga, and shrewd, dynamic scene writing keeps the proceedings fresh and we the audience on our toes. With fiercely tight, careful direction bringing all to bear with precise, calculated dispensation of every aspect, to be honest this is all but perfect.
The cast gives incredible performances demonstrating all their skills as actors, particularly impressive since the nature of the tale effectively places higher demands on them in what are basically dual roles. Mizukawa Asami is utterly fantastic as protagonist Shinobu, without question the star of the show, but this is hardly to count out the eye-catching acting of Takito Ken'ichi, Asari Yosuke, Toyohara Kosuke, Takada Sho, and still others. Meanwhile the film is terrifically well made in every other capacity, including not least stunts and effects. While practical effects and tangible creations will always be preferred - and indeed those we see here are great - judicious, selective use of computer-generated imagery can be just as striking. Thankfully, with only sparing use here to help depict the bilocations, the post-production visuals of 2013 look superb, and better than many blockbusters of the 2020s, drenched in CGI, could ever claim. The costume design, hair, and makeup work are sharp and fetching, and rather integral to this flick all told; the production design and art direction are impeccable. The music tends to stick to the background, but it is a splendid complement wherever it does arise to bolster the course of events.
I sat to watch with no specific foreknowledge or expectations, and I'm kind of blown away. For all the directions in which the concept could have been taken, the sum total might not be one that would appeal to those who seek the visceral thrills and instant gratification that typically comes with horror. This is more of a horror-drama, with the darker atmosphere mostly only laying the groundwork. Yet what Asato has done instead was to probe a heartier narrative that reaches to a more intimate place than the average genre fare, and the result is a movie with a much more lasting sense of satisfaction and reward as the plot unfolds. A wild romp this is not, despite initial appearances, but for those who appreciate all the wide, varied possibilities of what the medium has to offer, the journey that 'Bilocation' takes us on is a stupendous viewing experience, and I could hardly be happier with just how good it is. I'm pleased to give this my very high and hearty recommendation, and for my part I think it deserves a lot more attention!
