1/3

Drawing Closer on Netflix

Okay, so I finally sat down to watch Drawing Closer on Netflix, and honestly? I was originally just clicking play because I fell in love with Natsuki Deguchi in The Makanai years ago (she has that rare, gentle screen presence that just draws you in). But I wasn't prepared for how deeply this movie would get under my skin. As someone navigating life with a long-term illness, I went in expecting the usual Hollywood tragedy cliches, you know, the kind where sickness is just a plot device to make able-bodied people feel sad. Instead, I found something so quiet, so achingly beautiful, and weirdly reflective of my own reality. The film follows two terminally ill teens, but it never drowns in self-pity. It’s all about the small, stolen moments of joy—like the way Akito keeps bringing Haruna bouquets of gerberas. I loved learning that those flowers aren't just pretty set dressing; with their wide, open faces, they symbolize hope, friendship, and the courage to face hardship . Every time he showed up with those bright pops of color against the sterile hospital walls, it felt like a little act of defiance. That’s what this movie gets right, because it’s not about the grand gestures, but about creating beauty when your world is shrinking. It made me cry, yes, but it also made me feel seen in a way I didn't expect. If you want a film that treats life’s fragility with tenderness instead of just manipulation, this is a solid 10/10. Please do yourself a favor and check it out on Netflix.

• NetflixMovies
• Japanese
• ComingofAge