ReviewNetflix movie review: Child of Kamiari Month – Japanese anime with voice of True Mothers star Aju Makita offers a sombre examination of grief

3.5/5 stars

Kanna is a troubled 12-year-old who has lost her passion for running since the death of her mother. But upon learning that her mum was in fact an “Idaten”, or god of running, Kanna discovers that those duties have now fallen to her.

Blending the mundane with the mythological, modern life with ancient tradition, Takana Shirai’s animated feature Child of Kamiari Month is a surprisingly dark and sombre examination of grief and its lingering impact, especially on the young.

Throughout Japan, October is known as Kannazuki, and considered to be a month without gods, as all the Shinto deities head to Izumo Shrine in Shimane prefecture for their annual matchmaking gathering.