Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa, known for his distinctive approach to suspense, is bringing his latest feature, Cloud, to U.S. theaters starting July 18. Released by Sideshow and Janus Films, the movie will premiere in New York before expanding nationwide. Cloud arrives with a strong festival pedigree, having premiered at the Venice Film Festival and played at the Toronto International Film Festival, in addition to being Japan’s selection for this year’s Academy Awards.
Cloud follows Yoshii (Masaki Suda), an ambitious young factory worker in Tokyo who supplements his income through black market reselling, frequently deceiving both buyers and sellers. After accumulating significant wealth through these questionable means, Yoshii begins to intentionally distance himself from human connection. He moves out of the city, pulls away from his girlfriend, and delegates responsibilities to his new, highly devoted assistant.
However, his calculated disengagement from society soon invites sinister consequences. A series of mysterious and unsettling incidents begin to plague his life, threatening to dismantle his success and leading him towards a violent end. The film offers a searing “portrait of digital greed and vengeance,” positioning itself as a modern thriller that explores the dark underbelly of online transactions and human isolation in an increasingly connected, yet paradoxically disconnected, world.
Kurosawa’s reputation for meticulously building tension is evident in Cloud. The film, produced by Japan’s Nikkatsu, has been described as funny, thrilling, and creepy in equal measure, with a supporting cast that holds its own. Reviewers have noted its dedication to using every situation to build something richer, blending situational comedy, unease, and action to keep audiences engaged.
Cloud is one of several recent projects from Kurosawa, including the short film Chime and a French-language remake of his 1998 crime drama Serpent’s Path. His extensive filmography includes over 25 features, such as Pulse and Tokyo Sonata.
Following its New York opening on July 18, Cloud will reach Los Angeles on July 25, with a broader nationwide rollout to follow. Its arrival offers American audiences a chance to experience a fresh and unsettling vision from one of Japan’s most celebrated directors.
