The Stepfather and the Widow: A One Night Secret

Teruki Miyamoto, a company employee, is at a love hotel with Rika Ohtsubo and Aina Mizuki. Miyamoto and Rika are having a double affair, and Rika invited Aina, a housewife friend of hers, because he wanted to try a threesome. Azumi Azuma is cleaning the bathroom of the love hotel when Rika returns to the room. When Rika comes to pick up her forgotten items, she is surprised to find that the employee is Azumi, whom she knows. Azumi says she has been working here since last year. Azumi said that the phone Rika forgot was left at the bed. When Rika was embarrassed that Azumi knew she had used the love hotel, Azumi simply said, "Confidentiality, you know". After finishing work that day, Azumi went shopping and then went home. She prepared dinner and had a quiet meal with her father-in-law Kazuo, who had retired early. Because of his age, Kazuo is taking more and more medication, and Azumi tries to cook meals that take care of her father-in-law's health.

Directed by Tetsuya Takehora, The Stepfather and the Widow: A One Night Secret leans on a strong ensemble — Sayaka Otoshiro, Riri Kouda, Yui Tatsumi — 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 2021.