Watch The Forest of Love: Deep Cut

The Forest of Love: Deep Cut is a Japanese psychological thriller that premiered on Netflix in 2020. Directed by Sion Sono, the show features an ensemble cast of talented Japanese actors including Kippei Shiina, Shinnosuke Mitsushima, Kyooko Hinami, Eri Kamataki, Young Dais, Natsuki Kawamura, Yuzuka Nakaya, Dai Hasegawa, Chiho Fujii, Sei Matobu, and Denden.

Set in the beautiful wilderness of Japan's mountainous countryside, the show revolves around the story of a charismatic and enigmatic con artist named Joe Murata (played by Kippei Shiina) who seduces and manipulates a group of young aspiring filmmakers. Joe's intentions are ambiguous, as he seems to be interested in them only for his own benefit, using them for his illegal activities. However, the range of his character becomes much more encompassing as the show progresses, as we quickly see that Joe Murata is not merely a criminal, but a remorseless sociopath who feeds off the vulnerable and the weak.

The group of filmmakers who get entangled in Joe's web of deceit and manipulation includes Shin (played by Shinnosuke Mitsushima), a budding director who is initially drawn to Joe's charm and inexplicable self-confidence, but soon begins to suspect that something is not right about him. Shin's girlfriend Eiko (played by Kyooko Hinami) also becomes entangled with Joe after she tries to help him with a project that he claims would make them all rich and famous.

As the show progresses, we see deeper into the dark and twisted world of Joe Murata, who begins to lose his grip on reality as his schemes become more elaborate and his victims become more numerous. The show is structured as a series of interlinked vignettes, each focusing on a specific aspect of Joe's twisted personality, and each interlaced with hidden clues and symbols that hint at the much deeper web of intrigue that surrounds him.

The Forest of Love: Deep Cut is both a psychological thriller and a character drama, exploring the dark psychology of a deeply disturbed and manipulative individual. The connection to the forest is symbolic and crucial to the story: just like the forest, Joe is a complex and layered entity - beautiful and mysterious on the surface, but hiding a dark and frightening core.

Through the show, we see how Joe weaves his web around his unsuspecting victims, drawing them in with his charm and his promises, while using various means to manipulate and control them. We witness the damage he inflicts on their lives, both physical and emotional, as he toys with their minds and their hearts.

The show's strength lies in its ensemble cast of talented actors, who bring their characters to life with a convincing intensity, as they struggle to cope with the array of emotions, temptations, and fears that Joe Murata puts them through. From the excellent performances by Kippei Shiina as Joe, to the nuanced interpretations by Shinnosuke Mitsushima as Shin and Kyooko Hinami as Eiko, the actors inhabit their characters with rare authenticity and sensitivity, turning the show into a gripping and unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, The Forest of Love: Deep Cut is a dark and intense drama that hooks you from the first episode and doesn't let go until the final credits. With a complex and gripping storyline, superb acting, and beautiful cinematography, the show is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and character-driven dramas. With the added bonus of a deep and purposeful connection to nature in the form of the forest setting, The Forest of Love: Deep Cut is a unique viewing experience.

The Forest of Love: Deep Cut is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between April 30, 2020 and on Netflix