Japanese writer-director Ryûsuke Hamaguchi‘s follows up his 2021 Oscar-winner DRIVE MY CAR with EVIL DOES NOT EXIST, a slow-burn character study disguised as an eco-drama.

Takumi and his daughter Hana live in Mizubiki Village, close to Tokyo. Like generations before them, they live a modest life according to the cycles and order of nature. One day, the village inhabitants become aware of a plan to build a glamping site near Takumi’s house; offering city residents a comfortable ‘escape’ to nature. When two company representatives from Tokyo arrive in the village to hold a meeting, it becomes clear that the project will have a negative impact on the local water supply, causing unrest. The agency’s mismatched intentions endanger both the ecological balance of the nature plateau and their way of life, with an aftermath that affects Takumi’s life deeply.

“This is an instant-masterpiece worthy of intense debate in which every side will have a valid point.” (Globe and Mail)

“I had no idea where Hamaguchi’s cautionary tale was taking me, but I remained intrigued until the bitter end.” (Boston Globe)

“Hamaguchi is a worker that feels like part of a rare, potentially dying breed of artist that wants to move, engage, and carry on a dialogue with the viewer minutes, hours, days, and years after the credits have rolled.” (The Gate)

“A masterful film that invites contemplation and, in return, delivers lyrical beauty, haunting mystery, and more than a bit of unexpected terror.” (The Daily Beast)

Saturday, May 25
Doors 4:40 pm | Movie 5:10 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets HERE

Tuesday, May 28 *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm
Advance tickets HERE

EVIL DOES NOT EXIST “Aku wa sonzai shinai” (Ryusuke Hamaguchi, 2023 / 104 mins / Japanese w/ EST / NR) Takumi and his daughter live in Mizubiki Village, close to Tokyo. One day, the village inhabitants become aware of a plan to build a glamping site near Takumi’s house, offering city residents a comfortable escape to nature.

*Minors OK (18+). Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance <[email protected]> and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are rarely at capacity – you should not have issues being admitted.)

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale.