After Cloud became Japan’s official submission for the 97th Oscars, Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s action thriller now has a release window in the United States. The critically acclaimed film stars Masaki Suda as a morally dubious online reseller who becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of survival. Known for his mastery of horror with тιтles like Cure and Pulse, Kurosawa shifts to action, exploring internet culture’s dark side. Cloud earned rave reviews, along with a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

According to IndieWire, Cloud will be released theatrically in North America in the summer of 2025. This comes as Sideshow and Janus Films have acquired the North American rights. Despite not making the Oscars’ shortlist for Best International Feature, the film has been praised for its gripping story and social commentary, earning spots at major festivals like the Toronto International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, and Beyond Fest.

What This Means for Cloud and Its North American Release

Cloud Is Coming to North America Soon

Cloud’s latest acquisition will bring the movie to American audiences this summer, giving Kurosawa’s latest work a platform outside of Japan. The film has already built momentum with festival appearances, and its upcoming theatrical release in North America offers an opportunity for wider recognition and discussion around Kurosawa’s smart exploration of contemporary digital issues. Moreover, the thriller stands out in Kurosawa’s filmography as a morality tale focused on paranoia during the internet age. The director uses the online marketplace and social media as the plot’s crucial components.

Cloud’s portrayal of how petty interactions online can escalate into real-world chaos aligns with Kurosawa’s tradition of using genre cinema to reflect social anxieties. Additionally, Sideshow and Janus Films have a history of spotlighting globally acclaimed works. Their involvement in bringing the thriller stateside continues their streak of high-profile acquisitions, including Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Evil Does Not Exist and David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds. With their distribution, Cloud joins a lineup of films that cater to audiences seeking ambitious, critically lauded cinema.

Our Take on Cloud’s Expanded Release

North America Will Finally Get to Enjoy Kurosawa’s Latest Film

Kurosawa’s Cloud presents a thrilling combination of action and cultural critique, and its North American release marks a significant win for those who enjoy international cinema. As audiences prepare for its summer 2025 arrival, the thriller promises an engaging, thought-provoking experience that reflects the dangers of living in an increasingly digital world. Now, it’s just a matter of knowing when the exact release date will be.

Source: IndieWire