Body dysmorphia is a difficult subject to talk about, so it is no surprise that movies that deal with it tend to be very uncomfortable. Woman of the Photographs follows a talented photographer named Kai (Hideki Nagai) who is afraid of women. When he meets a model named Kyoko (Itsuki Otaki), he becomes obsessed with her. The two begin a romance that is sweet and sadistic.
Woman of the Photographs begins innocently enough. The initial encounter between the two happens during one of Kai’s bug photography trips to the woods. Kyoko has cut herself climbing a tree and asks if Kai can remove the scars from her pictures before they are posted online. From here, things become stranger and even manipulative. It is a unusual relationship that is surreal to watch.
Still, there is a strong romantic connection between the two. There are no sex scenes (despite the fact she moves in with him, it is unclear if the two even have sexual relations) and their most intimate moments are spent talking about real life versus the images people see. Woman of the Photographs also delves into the how social media – Kyoko is an influencer – effects what a person thinks of themselves.
Woman of the Photographs has an almost dream-like quality to it. This is mainly due to the long moments of silence. Director-writer Takeshi Kushida wants the audience to experience what is happening instead of hearing about it. Kai in particular says little throughout the film. This adds to his shy character and the quiet near solitude he has lived his life.
The film never gets as creepy as the set-up and trailer would lead one to believe. Instead, it is a tale about a delicate relationship between two people who are not event sure who they really are. Woman of the Photographs is about self-image, but it is also about love.
Woman of the Photographs is available HERE
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