Watch Drifting Home

"Drifting Home" is a 2022 Japanese animated film directed by Hiroyasu Ishida, known for his prior film "Penguin Highway." This beautifully animated feature is a collaboration between Studio Colorido and Netflix, both of which have been acknowledged for bringing innovative and heartwarming animated content to a global audience. The film's story centers around a group of childhood friends, Kosuke and Natsume, who have grown up together in an old apartment complex called the Kurosaki Building. Over time, the neighborhood has changed, the building has aged, and children have matured, bringing a sense of nostalgia and melancholy to their summer days. Yet, these two and their friends are on the cusp of adolescence, facing not only the challenges of everyday life but the growing pains that come with leaving childhood behind.

Kosuke, voiced by Mutsumi Tamura, is the film's protagonist, a sixth-grader whose life has been tied to the Kurosaki Building and his close bond with Natsume. Natsume, on the other hand, is voiced by Asami Seto, and presents a contrast to Kosuke. She's also intricately connected to their childhood place, but her perspectives and feelings are starting to diverge as they edge closer to the complexities of teenhood. Another major character is Noppo, Kosuke's quirky and enthusiastic friend, who is voiced by Ayumu Murase and plays a pivotal role in the dynamic of the group and the unfolding of the story.

One day, while playing in the condemned apartment complex, a mysterious and supernatural phenomenon occurs. An ordinary day turns extraordinary when the building, along with the children inside, finds itself adrift in an endless ocean, detached from the reality they have always known. The children, now separated from their families and everything familiar, must confront not only the mysteries surrounding their current predicament but also the interpersonal dynamics and growing tensions among them.

Trapped in this enigmatic world, the characters undergo a journey of self-discovery, survival, and emotional growth. Themes of friendship, coming of age, loss, and the bittersweet nature of growing up are beautifully interwoven into the narrative. The group confronts their fears and hopes while navigating through a seemingly infinite seascape, with only each other and the dilapidated building as their refuge.

The animation style of "Drifting Home" is a testament to Studio Colorido's prowess in the genre. It combines vivid color palettes, imaginative set pieces, and fluid animation to bring the story to life. As the children's new reality is dominantly aquatic, the film beautifully showcases vast and serene oceanic vistas juxtaposed against scenes of daily life that are suddenly imbued with the urgency and desolation of their isolation.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is its exploration of childhood memories and the places associated with them. The Kurosaki Building is not merely a physical setting; it's a character in its own right, representing a connection to the past and a vessel that carries the children through their journey. As such, the movie delves into the significance of the physical spaces we attach our memories to and the process of letting go as we step into the unknown territories of our lives.

Moreover, "Drifting Home" has a fantastical element that is both enchanting and thought-provoking. The idea of a building lost at sea creates a visual metaphor for the turbulence of adolescence and the emotions of the characters as they drift away from their childhood. This otherworldly experience becomes a catalyst for character development and for viewers to contemplate the emotional landscapes of their youth as well.

The film is imbued with an atmospheric and resonant soundtrack that compliments the emotional beats of the story. The sound design captures the essence of the setting, from the quiet lapping of waves against the building to the storms that challenge their resolve. It's a sound that is both comforting in its familiarity and haunting in its reflection of the characters' inner turmoil.

Through its runtime, "Drifting Home" weaves a tale that is both an adventure and a deeply human story. It's a tribute to those tentative steps we take from the world of childhood innocence into the more complex realm of adulthood. The film gracefully handles the pain of transformation and the beauty of the connections that sustain us through it.

Overall, "Drifting Home" is a moving and visually stunning film that captures the heartache and joy of growing up. It invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys through childhood and the poignant struggles of saying goodbye to the places and moments that shaped them. With engaging characters, a touching narrative, and breathtaking animation, this film is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the art of animated storytelling and the timeless themes of friendship and transition.

Drifting Home is a 2022 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 59.