The
Night Beyond the Tricornered Window (Original title: Sankaku mado no
sotogawa wa yoru) | 2021 | 1h 42m
Genre:
Horror / Mystery / Romance / Thriller | Country: Japan
Director:
Yukihiro Morigaki | Writers: Tomoko Aizawa
Cast:
Masaki Okada, Jun Shison, Yurina Hirate
IMDB:
5
My
Rate: 7/10
Kosuke’s encounter with Rihito, an exorcist, brings a huge change in his life. Kosuke’s ability to see ghosts drags him into dangerous cases along with Rihito—until a dark past that should’ve remained buried starts demanding answers.
Warning:
Contains scenes of violence and strong languageSynopsis:
Kosuke
struggles because of his ability to see ghosts. This ability has made him an
outcast since he was a child and created deep trauma. Kosuke chooses to hide it
and convinces himself that everything he sees is just an illusion—until he
meets Rihito.
Rihito
is an exorcist whose job is to help wandering spirits move on to the afterlife.
He can see them more clearly whenever he makes physical contact with Kosuke.
Kosuke eventually works with Rihito to solve various cases, including a
mysterious string of deaths happening randomly to different people.
The
case opens a new mystery—not only about spirits but also about a dangerous
curse. Rihito wants to avoid it and feels it isn’t his business, but Kosuke
insists on digging deeper into the case. Misunderstandings arise between them,
affecting their relationship and uncovering each of their dark pasts.
Will
they be able to solve this dangerous case?
Review:
If
you had the ability to see wandering spirits, would you be scared like Kosuke,
or would you use it like Rihito? The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window,
adapted from Tomoko Yamashita’s manga, tries to show that a unique ability
doesn’t always have to be hidden. Sometimes, it can be a way to help—or to
discover yourself.
The
film’s IMDb rating isn’t exactly great. One possible reason, based on reviews
I’ve read, is that some viewers came expecting strong BL elements, which the
film doesn’t really offer. That mismatch in expectations leads to
disappointment, since the movie itself focuses more on tension, teamwork, and
the psychological journey of the two leads rather than romance.
The
premise is built quite solidly. Characters are introduced through mysterious
situations that immediately show their abilities. The chemistry and connection
between Rihito and Kosuke also appear right from the start. However, the story
foundation feels a bit rushed because the plot quickly jumps into the main
conflict and introduces the antagonist. It would’ve been more satisfying if
viewers had more time to enjoy their dynamic through a wider variety of cases,
making their abilities feel more impactful.
The
external conflict involving spirits and curses ends up feeling a bit weak. The
horror tension isn’t as deep as expected. But the internal conflict stands out
much more. Trauma, burdens from the past, and each character’s inner battles
become the most memorable aspects of the film. This is where the movie truly
comes alive: when the characters confront themselves.
The
story’s resolution is wrapped up fairly well. Puzzle pieces start to fall into
place, and the characters’ development is clear. The ending leaves a nice
lingering curiosity, like a door has just been opened. Still, the origin of the
cult at the center of the conflict could’ve used a deeper explanation to make
the plot feel more complete.
The
actors deliver natural and effective performances. But Kosuke’s character
sometimes feels inconsistent—saying he wants to avoid danger, yet impulsively
running into it without any clear plan. One example is when he recklessly goes
to the spirit storage place despite Rihito’s warning, even putting Erika in
danger. This contradiction makes him feel less mature as a protagonist.
Beyond
the character dynamics, the film’s technical aspects also add flavor to the
viewing experience. Camera movement, color composition, and the visual effects
used to transition between the real world and the spirit world feel convincing.
The music also helps build the mood and tension in several key scenes.
In
the end, this film isn’t just about mystery. It reminds us that a “strange”
ability in the eyes of others doesn’t always mean it has to be hidden.
Sometimes, that very ability can become a strength—as long as we embrace it
fully as part of who we are.
Memorable Scene:
To
answer Kosuke’s question about what kind of person he is, Rihito brings him to
witness a piece of his past. In that room, young Rihito sits alone, looking
through his binoculars—a gift from his mother. His ability made people treat
him differently, and slowly that loneliness swallowed the direction of his
life. This scene shows that from the start, no one truly gave Rihito a chance
to figure out who he was.
In
life, the search for identity doesn’t stop at a certain age. We’re shaped by
experiences that come slowly—including the wounds we don’t want to acknowledge.
Every cut and failure slowly forms a picture of who we are, until one day we
start to understand the purpose we truly want to pursue.
Memorable
Line:
“As long as you’re with me, you won’t be afraid.”
Ending:
Cliffhanger
Recommendation:
Worth
to Watch
(Aluna)
 – A Story of Souls Lost Between Light and Shadow){kind=link}
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