Spoilers just got major deja vu here.

We haven’t forgotten director Junta Yamaguchi and writer Makoto Ueda with their previous Fantasia offering Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes (2021). If that was impressive, wait until you see this one. This is a slightly different but closely related time-alteration concept. Don’t worry, this feature will also make sure to bring you a charismatic and entertaining cast wrapping this story in the warm bosom of comedy with a lot of heart.

River (2023) is directed by Junta Yamaguchi and written by Makoto Ueda. Welcome to the charming valley of Kibune. In the small Fujiya Inn, server Mikoto (Riko Fujitani) has taken a moment of her day to say a small prayer to the running waters. She then continues her day joining her boss to clean tables and then-

Okey, sorry where was I? Oh yes, my apologies. In the small Fujiya Inn, server Mikoto (Riko Fujitani) has taken a moment of her day to say a small prayer to the running waters. She then continues her day joining her boss to clean tables… Wait, we did this already, what the heck-

Ahem. In the small Fujiya Inn, server Mikoto (Riko Fujitani) has taken a moment of her day- Okey, I already wrote this! This is getting ridiculous! This is time looping isn’t it? It is! Thanks to a cast of characters with picturesque personalities, you will be positively entertained as you follow along the labyrinth of stairs and corridors just to make sure all their customers are well served.

The lives of everyone in Kibune will be thrown into disarray as everyone catches up to the strange phenomena. Once they do a few people decide this is the perfect time for irresponsible mischief. To make this engaging, we’ll slowly discover everyone’s agendas. There’s a writer constantly rewriting his premise while his producer keeps reminding him about the approaching deadline. Two old friends that have reconnected after a long time, will start feuding about past events. And we’ll discover Mikoto might have her own reasons to want the time warp to go.

It works for the right audience and I’m sure a few casual moviegoers as well. There are moments of playful ignorance, of slow realization and of complete chaos. As everyone’s agendas are uncovered, we’ll find a few people opt for desperate and darker measures that break the comedic streak. This might be the only cloud in an otherwise shining comedy, but it didn’t derail the film too much. Eventually, we move into revealing the cause and the solution of how the time warp can be put into motion for good.

Highly recommended as a strong comedy with solid characters. You want to see and laugh along with an appreciative audience as the hijinks ensue. There’s an undeniable cuteness factor as the characters panic, struggle but still maintain their courtesy and politeness despite the otherworldly aspects of their situation. Worth at least a watch and for the audiences who love time mischief, you’ll probably want to enjoy more as you introduce this film to your friends.

That will do for now.