Next Level

Having lost her mother in a traffic accident one rainy day, Akari lives in a shared house with Sachi and Toshihiro, a married couple. With their relationship having grown cold, Toshihiro brings over his lover, Kasumi, while Sachi secretly takes in a homeless man, Ono, hoping to perform a good deed. On the other hand, Akari, despite putting on a cheerful and happy front, is consumed by a quiet yet intense state of hatred and anger. She longs for revenge on the person who killed her mother. One day, after finding a missing bag, Akari takes in an elderly woman named Sachiko, who has no remaining family and restores a sense of dignity to her life. With all these people living under one roof, Akari’s feelings slowly begin to change. However, something happens on Toshihiro’s birthday. What is the next level for Akari?

Directed by Taishi Shiode, Next Level leans on a strong ensemble — Ayumi Kimito, Toko Namiki, Nanami Mihi — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2024.