I agree with everyone saying this isn't Kore-eda's best work. The movie does feel pretty flat at times, with no major plot twists or particularly gripping moments that make you go, 'okay, this absolutely deserved to be a movie (let alone Kore-eda's)' the slow pace might not work for everyone either, but honestly, it didn't really bother me. But holy sheesh, did i feel this strange sense of peaceful melancholia throughout the entire thing? Absolutely! I mean, it's not easy to make a family drama (with all those classic Kore-eda elements we know and love) that feels this relevant to the world we're living in right now. AI, robots, and all that stuff are becoming part of pretty much every aspect of our lives, so the subject matter feels VERY current. Yet somehow, the movie still manages to maintain that calm, peaceful, slightly melancholic atmosphere throughout, even with the little conflicts and inner turmoil between the two parents of the cutest little android boy, Kakeru. Idk what it is about Kore-eda's signature, but i'm impressed. It's such an easy, comforting watch that shouldn't be underestimated because, beneath all that peacefulness, there's still so much emotion to unpack (yes, I actually cried at the ending heheh). The futuristic aesthetic and BGM also never feel too over the top, making the whole thing feel surprisingly grounded and believable. A quiet, emotionally resonant little film that feels even more relevant than you'd expect, and definitely one I'd love to revisit (to understand the deeper meaning of the story and all its symbolism).