Look Back Director Reveals How Midsommar Inspired the Hit Film

Look Back Director Reveals How Midsommar Inspired the Hit Film

As a die-hard anime enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of Look Back ever since its debut in Japan. The news that it was influenced by Midsommar, one of my personal favorite horror films, has only heightened my excitement.


Finally, the anticipation for the release of “Look Back” is almost over! The highly acclaimed film debuted in Japan several months ago to rave reviews, and GKIDS will bring “Look Back” to U.S. screens in October. With a release date fast approaching, excitement is building around “Look Back,” as director Kiyotaka Oshiyama discusses the movie at length. In his latest interview, the director reveals that “Midsommar” played a role in inspiring the making of “Look Back.

The update comes from Animage as the magazine posted its October issue recently. It was there Oshiyama asked asked about his favorite movie, and it was there he admitted Midsommar ranks high enough on his list of faves that it influenced Look Back.

How Midsommar Impacted Look Back

Oshiyama shared that he has a fondness for the film “Midsommar” directed by Ari Aster. Intriguingly, he adopted a 2:1 aspect ratio, similar to that of “Midsommar,” as both movies share this characteristic. It appears that their tastes align in certain areas. For instance, just like how “Midsommar” often employs symmetry, Oshiyama appreciates crafting symmetrical compositions too.

It’s evident that the film “Midsommar” significantly influenced the director’s approach in creating “Look Back.” The storyline of “Look Back” was developed by Tatsuki Fujimoto, who also penned the “Look Back” manga, and careful study of his artwork was essential for its on-screen recreation. However, when it came to establishing the movie’s overall ambiance, “Look Back” drew inspiration from various sources.

What’s Next for Look Back

In June, Fujimoto’s manga made its screen debut, and since then, “Look Back” has continued to gain momentum. The movie will have a limited release in the U.S., starting in Los Angeles and New York City on October 4. Following this, it will be shown across the country on October 6-7. At present, GKIDS hasn’t disclosed if any screenings will include an English dub; no cast has been revealed for such a version, but fans are optimistically speculating that “Look Back” may already be preparing for it.

To date, Look Back has already grossed over $6 million USD in Japan, and that total is sure to grow as Oshiyama’s film makes the rounds. The ambitious film not only put Studio Durian in the spotlight with anime fans, but it has proven Fujimoto’s storytelling mastery. Look Back was championed in July 2021 after it was published, and he has other one shots ripe for the picking. The success of Look Back has netizens begging for an anime adaptation of Goodbye, Eri which hit Shonen Jump+ back in 2022.

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2024-09-15 22:39