Towards the end of Momoe Narazaki’s short graphic novel I Will Go Ahead, from which A Very Straight Neck is adapted, the protagonist resists being hardened by the world. She peels her scab and enters a dark, surreal place—a circus of people “smiling, working, living”. Though tempted to return, she achieves liberation and literally steps out of the frame.

Through simple illustrations, Narazaki evokes a visceral story of a body—one that feels the hidden violence in daily life. Actor Sakura Ando, with her heightened sensitivity to the mechanics of (e)motion in her own body, was perfect to embody this story.

The body is a sensitive vessel. It takes the beating of routine and can get bent out of shape. Why must we live in a system that holds our livelihoods hostage to violence? And is there truly a way out? This film is an exploration of these feelings.