Known for his sincere observations of childhood, unconventional families and the emotional weight of loss and grief, Hirokazu Kore-eda's latest film combines his preferred themes in a speculative film that blends the preservation of memory with technological advancements. Set in near future Japan, grieving parents Otone (Haruka Ayase) and Kensuke (Daigo Yamamoto) turn to REbirth, a company providing the bereaved with humanoid replications of their loved ones. With this technology, the couple is granted more time with their seven-year-old son, Kakeru (Rimu Kuwaki). Otone's architectural background fuels her desire to construct and control, whereas guilt-ridden Kensuke initially dismisses the humanoid as a "Tamagotchi", until a tender relationship forms. But as the humanoid develops and shares memories he shouldn't have, his parents grow perplexed and grapple with the ramifications of their decision.