Closet

Running time: 95 mins

The secrets we reveal in the embrace of a stranger.

In Tokyo, lonely patrons pay to sleep (“soine”) with someone. Massage, cuddle, sleep…for comfort and nothing more than the warm embrace of another. Tasuku, a young man fresh out of a relationship, starts a new job as one of the cuddlers. He’s nervous and reticent, but soon finds himself with a procession of clients, male as well as female. In his unique position as their companion, he finds himself privy to the true selves they keep closeted. Tender performance and contemplative writing elevate an exploration of the human need for comfort and tenderness, while learning to be true to oneself. – Kelly A. Harrison