The Hater

In a near-future Tokyo, a young man named Kohei works at a supermarket while secretly harboring a passion for comedy. He dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian but faces numerous obstacles, including his own self-doubt and the societal pressures of a world obsessed with social media validation. When a popular online personality, 'Gag King,' suddenly disappears, Kohei sees an opportunity to step into the spotlight and share his unique brand of humor.

The Hater received a mixed but generally positive reception from critics, who praised its unique animation style and its timely exploration of themes like social media, online fame, and the nature of comedy. Some found the narrative occasionally disjointed, but most acknowledged its ambition and Yuasa's distinctive directorial voice. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some resonating deeply with its message and others finding its experimental nature challenging.

• Praised for its visually inventive animation and bold exploration of contemporary anxieties.
• Acclaimed for Yuasa's signature surreal and energetic directorial style.
• Some critics found the plot less cohesive than its thematic ambitions.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's originality and its thought-provoking commentary on the pressures of online culture and the pursuit of fame. Many enjoyed the distinctive visual flair and the film's blend of humor and pathos, though a portion of viewers found the pacing and narrative structure somewhat unconventional.

Nominated for the Golden Bear at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival.

Director Masaaki Yuasa drew inspiration for the film's visual style from his own experiences with online comments and the performative nature of digital interactions.