Drifting Home Parent Guide

Kosuke (Mutsumi Tamura) and Natsume (Asami Seto) used to be inseparable best friends, but the twin challenges of changing circumstances and getting older has put a wedge between them. At the start of summer vacation, Kosuke and his friends decide to go explore an abandoned apartment complex slated for demolition, which just happens to be the building he and Natsume lived in as children. While exploring, Kosuke discovers Natsume hiding in one of the units. As the tweens get into an argument, the group discovers that the building has mysteriously detached itself from land and they are now floating on the open ocean with their home nowhere in sight.

Drifting Home is a contemplative examination of grief, loss, growing up, and interpersonal relationships. Its fantastical elements combined with richly written characters create a unique and captivating world. This world is accentuated by an outstanding musical score from Umitaro Abe which combines classical orchestrations with childlike themes. The animation is also exceptional, with gorgeous visuals and interesting uses of contrasting color palettes.

Although artistically and thematically outstanding, there are elements of the production that hold it back from being truly extraordinary. The runtime is far too long. Some editing of both the script and the film itself would have made a huge difference. The second act drags, with some plot points feeling repetitive as the story spins its wheels for over an hour before actually going anywhere. Although the main characters are well developed and layered, some of the side characters don’t evolve past clichéd stereotypes, which may just be the natural result of there being too many of them.

There is almost no negative content of note, aside from some perilous situations which could be frightening to young viewers. Drifting Home is appropriate for most audiences, but the slow, contemplative pace and long run time may make it inaccessible for viewers with short attention spans. On the other hand, the rich themes and phenomenal creative elements make this a great choice for anime fans, or fans of coming-of-age tales and magical realism.