Film Review: Desert of Namibia
by Erin Huebscher

Yôko Yamanaka, Japan 2024

DESERT OF NAMIBIA tries to capture the chaotic life of twenty-one-year-old Kana in Tokyo, but its 137 minute runtime unfortunately leaves the audience feeling unfulfilled. Yuumi Kawai gives a strong performance as Kana but her selfishness and cruelty to her romantic partners felt grating and uncomfortable. While the film touches on important themes like Japanese societal pressures and mental health, they were never quite developed enough. Adding to the film’s disjointedness, the connection to the African desert also felt unclear and unnecessary. Despite its interesting subject material, the pacing and lack of focus made it a difficult watch.