Rewrite (2025)
While the concept of time loops and time-traveling films has only increased in popularity over the last decade, few filmmakers have proven to be quite as adept at the genre as screenwriter Makoto Ueda. Specifically in his collaborations with director Junta Yamaguchi (Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes and River), Ueda has proven to be incredibly controlled and inspired while playing around with time on the big screen, with his newest feature, Rewrite, being further proof of his talent. Screening as part of the 2025 Fantasia Film Festival and directed by Daigo Matsui, Rewrite follows a student named Miyuki (Elaiza Ikeda) who learns a transfer student in her class named Yasuhiko (Kei Adachi) is really a time-traveler from 300 years in the future. Inspired by a book he read that was set in this time, Yashukio decided to invent time travel to experience modern life for himself. Miyuki and Yasuhiko quickly form a close bond, and Yasuhiko gives Miyuki a pill that will allow her to briefly travel 10 years into the future. When she does, she learns that she will be the author of the book that inspires Miyuki to time travel in the first place. She dedicates her life to becoming an author, but when 10 years pass and she prepares to give that younger version of herself the message she remembers, not everything seems to line up how they are supposed to.
While the different time jumps and timelines of Rewrite might feel daunting in recollection, the film does a fantastic job of remaining digestible and clean. Ueda knows exactly how to control his writing and guide the audience along the journey in a way that never feels overly convoluted or difficult to follow. Rewrite wisely always redirects its focus to the emotions of its characters, letting the audience connect to them and focus on their individual journeys rather than worrying about the nitty-gritty of the world or the more fantastical elements of the plot. While there is the occasional plot hole, specifically one that feels glaringly massive, the film always moves and always points the audience towards something else.
It helps that Rewrite is quite an emotionally driven film that connects on a level far deeper than the gimmick at its center. While it is likely no one watching the feature will have experienced having to meet a time traveler and building their entire career around the promises he makes, many will be able to connect with the feeling of young love and having to recontextualize those emotions as one grows up. Many will be able to reflect on the key figures and moments that inspired and drove different paths in life, and have moments where they question if they are truly being authentic to themselves in these choices. Many have probably thought about what advice they would tell their younger selves to avoid pain and disappointment. Rewrite has multiple twists and turns that are not only shocking and properly dramatic, but also add these rich layers to the narrative and viewing experience. While Rewrite is often incredibly fun, the film will naturally wander into a moment of breathtaking emotion that packs a real punch and venom.
This is yet further proof of the talent of Ueda, who uses the film's core gimmick as a way to create an elevated reflection of life experiences faced by everyone. The point of the movie is not that there is time travel; the point of the movie is something far more human and raw. These layers are brought to life by a wonderful cast led by Ikeda, who is absolutely perfect for the role. Ikeda is often quiet as she takes in information, but knows the exact moment to let the emotion take over. While her character is flawed, she always remains likable and achieves the difficult task of feeling like a real, grounded person within a plot that is the exact opposite.
Considering his recent body of work, which also includes writing credits on impressive films such as Masaaki Yuasa's Night Is Short, Walk On Girl and Hiroyasu Ishida's Penguin Highway, it should come as no surprise that Ueda has once again delivered something brilliant. While a team effort between screenwriter, director, cast, and crew, it is clearly identifiable just how much of Rewrite's magic comes from Ueda, with the film being one of the strongest projects within its genre to date.
While the different time jumps and timelines of Rewrite might feel daunting in recollection, the film does a fantastic job of remaining digestible and clean. Ueda knows exactly how to control his writing and guide the audience along the journey in a way that never feels overly convoluted or difficult to follow. Rewrite wisely always redirects its focus to the emotions of its characters, letting the audience connect to them and focus on their individual journeys rather than worrying about the nitty-gritty of the world or the more fantastical elements of the plot. While there is the occasional plot hole, specifically one that feels glaringly massive, the film always moves and always points the audience towards something else.
It helps that Rewrite is quite an emotionally driven film that connects on a level far deeper than the gimmick at its center. While it is likely no one watching the feature will have experienced having to meet a time traveler and building their entire career around the promises he makes, many will be able to connect with the feeling of young love and having to recontextualize those emotions as one grows up. Many will be able to reflect on the key figures and moments that inspired and drove different paths in life, and have moments where they question if they are truly being authentic to themselves in these choices. Many have probably thought about what advice they would tell their younger selves to avoid pain and disappointment. Rewrite has multiple twists and turns that are not only shocking and properly dramatic, but also add these rich layers to the narrative and viewing experience. While Rewrite is often incredibly fun, the film will naturally wander into a moment of breathtaking emotion that packs a real punch and venom.
This is yet further proof of the talent of Ueda, who uses the film's core gimmick as a way to create an elevated reflection of life experiences faced by everyone. The point of the movie is not that there is time travel; the point of the movie is something far more human and raw. These layers are brought to life by a wonderful cast led by Ikeda, who is absolutely perfect for the role. Ikeda is often quiet as she takes in information, but knows the exact moment to let the emotion take over. While her character is flawed, she always remains likable and achieves the difficult task of feeling like a real, grounded person within a plot that is the exact opposite.
Considering his recent body of work, which also includes writing credits on impressive films such as Masaaki Yuasa's Night Is Short, Walk On Girl and Hiroyasu Ishida's Penguin Highway, it should come as no surprise that Ueda has once again delivered something brilliant. While a team effort between screenwriter, director, cast, and crew, it is clearly identifiable just how much of Rewrite's magic comes from Ueda, with the film being one of the strongest projects within its genre to date.