Stay Mum

SATOYA Chisako (Anne) is a children’s book writer living far from her hometown, having fallen out with her father Kozo (OKUDA Eiji) years ago. When he is diagnosed with dementia, Chisako is finally driven to make a reluctant return to her family home, where she discovers Kozo is largely unable to recall that she is his daughter.

One night, Chisako is riding in an old friend’s car when they collide with a young boy (NAKASU Toma) who seems to have lost his memory. Unsure what to do with him, and having spotted signs of child abuse on his body, Chisako opts not to hand him over to social services, instead pretending to be his mother and taking him under her wing.

However, while Chisako, Kozo, and Takumi grow closer, the destructive consequences of Chisako’s lie draw ever nearer.

A highly emotional mystery dripping with suspense until it reaches a shocking climax, Stay Mum is a profound interrogation of the plausibility of escaping one’s past, the nature of family, and the justness of deception.

©2024 “Stay Mum” Film Partners

長年絶縁状態にあった父が認知症を発症したため、渋々実家に戻った絵本作家の千紗子。ある日、事故で記憶を失った少年を助けるが、少年の体には虐待の痕があった。千紗子は少年を守るため自分が母親だと嘘をつき実家に連れて帰る。次第に新しい家族の形を育んでいく3人だが、その幸せな生活は長くは続かなかった……。北國浩二の小説「嘘」を映画化した人間ドラマ。

(Special thanks to Eikoku News Digest)

Featuring a special guest appearance from director SEKINE Kosai at select screenings:

– Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), London (7 Feb)
– Frankopan Hall, Jesus College; Cambridge (8 Feb)
– QUAD, Derby (9 Feb)
– Phoenix, Leicester (10 Feb)