Name: WILL
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2024-02-16T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Masahiro Higashide, Tatsuya Mori

The opening shot of Elizabeth Miyaji’s “Will” lingers on actor Masahiro Higashide’s weathered hands as he skins a freshly caught animal, setting the tone for this unflinching documentary about off-grid survival. Miyaji follows Higashide as he lives in near-isolation in Japan’s mountains, hunting, foraging, and grappling with personal demons over the course of a year.

What makes “Will” compelling is its unvarnished portrayal of solitude and resilience. The cinematography, often handheld and naturalistic, immerses viewers in Higashide’s harsh environment, from biting winds to sudden downpours. Miyaji’s decision to let long stretches of silence breathe adds authenticity, though it occasionally tests patience. A standout sequence captures Higashide battling a feral boar at night, the dim torchlight casting eerie shadows—a moment that underscores both his vulnerability and determination.

However, “Will” stumbles in its pacing. The year-long timeline feels unevenly edited; some months blur together while others drag. Tatsuya Mori’s intermittent appearances as a local friend provide glimpses of warmth but feel underdeveloped, leaving their significance ambiguous. The film also struggles to balance Higashide’s physical trials with his emotional journey, often favoring the former at the expense of deeper introspection.

Higashide delivers a raw, unfiltered performance that grounds the documentary. His quiet moments—staring into a fire, whispering to himself—reveal more than any exposition could.

Tags: Elizabeth Miyaji, Masahiro Higashide, Tatsuya Mori, WILL