All the Long Nights (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online and Stream Options
All the Long Nights (Original title: Yoake no Subete, 夜明けのすべて) is a 2024 Japanese drama film directed by Shô Miyake. This deeply moving narrative follows the lives of Misa, who battles the stigma and challenges of severe PMS, and Takatoshi, who contends with panic attacks. Set in the understated backdrop of a Japanese corporate office that manufactures children’s planetarium toys, this unlikely connection between two individuals creates a rich, heartfelt story of empathy, endurance, and the quiet power of friendship.
With its thoughtful portrayal of sensitive mental health themes, All the Long Nights is a film worth experiencing. In this review, we will explore the film’s narrative, thematic depth, visual aesthetics, and where to watch it online.
Plot Overview and Themes
The storyline centers on Misa, portrayed by Mone Kamishiraishi, a young woman facing extreme PMS symptoms that disrupt her daily life and work environment. This emotional turbulence forces her to leave her former job and start anew at Kurita Optics, a modest workplace where she encounters Takatoshi, played by Hokuto Matsumura. Takatoshi is battling his own challenges with panic attacks, which limit his career prospects and place him in a job he never aspired to.
Miyake’s film explores how Misa and Takatoshi, despite their mental health struggles, find solace and support in each other. Their friendship forms a mutual understanding, allowing them to navigate a society that often overlooks or misinterprets these quiet battles. Their connection highlights the healing power of companionship without delving into romantic or overly dramatic territory, making the portrayal feel refreshingly genuine and relatable.
Visual and Directorial Style
Filmed in 16mm, All the Long Nights has a warm, grainy aesthetic that resonates with the characters’ internal struggles and the overall tone of quiet resilience. Director Shô Miyake uses this film grain to enhance the natural light and subtle color palettes of the cityscape and office interiors, creating a comforting visual style that complements the gentle emotional flow of the story. This low-key visual approach is echoed by the understated electronic hums in the background, capturing the tranquil yet deeply felt atmosphere.
Miyake’s thoughtful choice of settings emphasizes how ordinary spaces, such as the corporate office and suburban landscapes, can serve as sites of companionship, healing, and personal growth.
Key Performances
The performances of Mone Kamishiraishi and Hokuto Matsumura anchor the film. Kamishiraishi brings authenticity and depth to Misa’s experiences of PMS, capturing the humor, frustration, and vulnerability that accompany her condition. Matsumura portrays Takatoshi’s anxiety with subtlety, making his character relatable for audiences who may recognize the quiet struggle of managing mental health while trying to lead a seemingly “normal” life.
The film also emphasizes the impact of Misa and Takatoshi’s boss, Kurita (played by Ken Mitsuishi), whose small acts of kindness toward his employees foster a warm and supportive work environment. Kurita’s quiet heroism contrasts with traditional depictions of authority in Japanese corporate settings, giving the film a subtle subversive quality.
Where to Watch Online – Streaming Options
Currently, All the Long Nights (2024) is not available on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. However, there are high expectations that it may be added to one of these platforms soon, as Japanese films with strong international appeal often find their way to these services.
Given that Sho Miyake’s previous films, such as Small, Slow but Steady (2022), eventually landed on streaming services like Hulu and Criterion Channel, it’s likely All the Long Nights will follow suit. For now, fans can monitor the availability of the film on JustWatch for the latest updates on streaming and rental options in the U.S.
Predicted Streaming Platforms:
- Hulu: Known for hosting a range of Japanese cinema.
- Criterion Channel: Frequently streams art-house films and international cinema.
- Amazon Prime Video: Offers rental and purchase options for indie and international films.
As for rental and purchase options, it’s anticipated that platforms such as Apple iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu may soon provide digital rental or purchase options for U.S. audiences.
Final Thoughts on All the Long Nights
In All the Long Nights, Shô Miyake crafts a sensitive, richly detailed narrative that humanizes the struggles of mental health in a corporate society. Through Misa and Takatoshi’s gentle friendship, Miyake brings attention to the importance of connection and understanding, while deftly avoiding melodrama. This film is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates slow-burn dramas that delve deeply into character and emotional nuance.
If you’re looking for a film that moves at a thoughtful pace, focusing on character-driven storytelling and offering a fresh perspective on mental health struggles, All the Long Nights is a highly recommended choice.
Stay updated on streaming availability for All the Long Nights by bookmarking JustWatch and visiting the film’s official website for release announcements. If you’re a fan of Japanese cinema, consider adding this touching story to your watchlist and enjoy the profound experience of Miyake’s artful storytelling.
