Drawing Closer (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Streaming Now on Netflix: A Heartfelt Romance You Don’t Want to Miss
If you’re a fan of heartfelt, tear-jerking romances, Drawing Closer (2024) is a movie that belongs on your watchlist. Directed by Takahiro Miki and adapted from the best-selling manga Yomei Ichinen to Senkoku Sareta Boku ga, Yomei Hantoshi no Kimi to Deatta Hanashi by Ao Morita, this film offers a deep exploration of love, loss, and cherishing every moment. Released on Netflix in 2024, the movie has gained attention for its delicate portrayal of two terminally ill teenagers navigating the final stages of their lives together.
Plot Summary and Storyline
Drawing Closer opens with Akito, a 17-year-old artist, who is devastated after being diagnosed with a terminal heart condition, giving him just one year to live. As Akito contemplates his future, he meets Haruna, a lively girl facing a similar fate, but with only six months left. Their chance encounter sparks an unexpected friendship, and Akito becomes drawn to Haruna’s positive spirit despite her grim prognosis.
The film follows Akito and Haruna as they form a close bond, sharing their love for art and making the most of their limited time. Akito helps Haruna fulfill her bucket list, which includes reconnecting with her estranged childhood friend Ayaka. As their friendship grows, so does Akito’s romantic feelings for Haruna, but he hesitates to confess, fearing the consequences of falling in love with so little time left.
The story’s emotional weight culminates in Akito secretly battling his own illness while striving to bring joy to Haruna’s life, leading to a bittersweet but heartwarming resolution.
Character Performances and Chemistry
One of the movie’s strengths lies in the performances of its lead actors. Ren Nagase (Akito) and Natsuki Deguchi (Haruna) deliver convincing portrayals of two teenagers trying to cope with their impending fates. Their chemistry is palpable, and they bring a sense of realism to their characters’ interactions. The nuanced expressions and subtle gestures between Akito and Haruna make their relationship both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Ren Nagase, also known for his music career as a J-pop singer in King & Prince, captures Akito’s inner turmoil and vulnerability with finesse. Deguchi’s portrayal of Haruna, a girl who chooses to face her short future with optimism, offers a refreshing take on a character who could easily be consumed by despair.
Themes of Love, Loss, and Living in the Moment
At its core, Drawing Closer is about living life to the fullest despite the limitations that fate imposes. The film emphasizes the importance of love, friendship, and human connections, especially in the face of mortality. The theme of using art as a form of emotional expression and escape also plays a significant role, with Akito’s artistic ambitions serving as both a metaphor and a driving force in the narrative.
While some viewers might find the plot predictable, especially with its reliance on familiar tropes from romantic dramas involving terminal illnesses, the movie still succeeds in creating moments that tug at the heartstrings. The subdued melodrama makes the emotional impact feel more organic, rather than forced.
Cinematography and Musical Score
The film is visually beautiful, with soft pastels and gentle lighting that reflect the delicate nature of the characters’ emotions. Takahiro Miki’s direction brings an aesthetic elegance to the film, particularly in scenes where Akito and Haruna engage in their shared love for drawing. The use of color, especially in Haruna’s artwork, adds depth to the storytelling, subtly reinforcing the theme of art as a form of communication.
Seiji Kameda’s musical score complements the tone of the film, underscoring the emotional beats without overwhelming the viewer. The soundtrack is both tender and melancholic, helping to elevate key moments between Akito and Haruna.
Where to Watch Drawing Closer (2024) Online
For viewers looking to stream Drawing Closer (2024), the movie is available on multiple platforms:
- Netflix: As of its release, the movie is available for streaming on Netflix. Subscribers can watch it as part of their regular subscription plan.
- Apple TV: The movie is available for purchase or rent on Apple TV, offering a high-quality viewing experience.
Be sure to check the availability of the film on these platforms, as regional restrictions may apply.
Final Thoughts and Verdict
Drawing Closer (2024) may not break new ground in terms of its narrative, but it does deliver a poignant and emotionally charged story that resonates with audiences who appreciate romance dramas. The film’s greatest strength lies in its gentle portrayal of fleeting love and the powerful performances of its lead actors. Though the plot is predictable at times, the heartfelt execution and chemistry between the characters make it a worthwhile watch.
If you’re in the mood for a movie that will make you reflect on life’s fragile beauty and leave you in tears, Drawing Closer is a must-see. For fans of romantic weepies like The Fault in Our Stars or A Walk to Remember, this film will undoubtedly strike a chord.
