Director Nanako Hirose returns to the screen with her sophomore feature, Between Two Lovers, which examines a complex romantic arrangement set against the backdrop of contemporary Japan. The film premiered in the Competition section at the Busan International Film Festival. Starring Masami Nagasawa as Uta, a popular children’s book author, the narrative follows her when she proposes that her husband and secret girlfriend raise a child together.
Uta has achieved professional success with her Little Miss Mushroom picture book series, spending much time around children yet harboring no desire to start her own family. Her husband, Morio, portrayed by Tasuku Emoto, is eager for fatherhood, but Uta consistently dismisses his requests. Unbeknownst to Morio, Uta has maintained a six-year affair with Junna, played by Shizuka Ishibashi, who serves as Uta’s editor.
Junna faces significant legal obstacles regarding parenthood, as same-sex couples and unmarried women are restricted from accessing sperm donations or fertility treatments. She also wishes for Uta to acknowledge her sexuality and divorce Morio so they can live openly together. The three-way dynamic comes to a head when Morio invites Junna to dinner, believing he is making peace with the colleague who consumes much of his wife’s time. An argument fueled by alcohol reveals Uta’s double life. Rather than accepting blame, Uta suggests that Morio act as the sperm donor for Junna’s baby, proposing that all three live together in a union of convenience.
Hirose, who also wrote and edited the film, crafted a volatile scenario ripe for dramatic conflict. However, the screenplay repeatedly opts for narrative compromises rather than engaging deeply with the provocative themes. While the film acknowledges archaic legal restrictions affecting same-sex couples, it does not actively challenge or criticize these barriers.
As the story progresses, the family dynamics shift. Morio becomes increasingly protective of Junna, who settles into traditional maternal and spousal roles. Uta, conversely, finds herself isolated within the household, regressing to an adolescent-like position despite the idyllic arrangement she orchestrated. The film avoids forcing Uta to define her sexuality or select a single partner.
Influenced by the style of Hirokazu Kore-eda, Hirose raises legitimate questions about modern relationships. Yet, viewers expecting the film to fully embrace its progressive setting may find themselves frustrated by its reluctance to push boundaries. Despite the strong international cast and crew, the narrative choices limit the impact of its ambitious premise.
Honestly, the isolation angle for Uta was the most interesting part. Hope she finds more bold stories to tell.
Such a shame. The premise was fascinating, but the film playing it safe really undercut the drama.