#Japan #Tokyo #FILMOQ #Love is a MONSTER #Ryosuke Hayazaka

Ryosuke Hayazaka's Latest Film "Love is a MONSTER"

A thrilling fusion of body horror and romance, "Love is a MONSTER" (Japanese: 恋は怪獣) tells a gripping tale that has just been selected for the NAFF It Project at the 29th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) in South Korea. This feature film, produced by FILMOQ, is helmed by Ryosuke Hayazaka, known for his deep, poignant storytelling in films such as “I Order You,” “4/Cats,” and “Gach Life.” The screenplay navigates the complex and often painful landscape of unrequited love and emotional turmoil.

The Birth of the Concept

The film's premise asks a profound question: “Have you ever felt so deeply for someone that you wanted to consume them?” Here, the protagonist, Momo, is an ordinary woman who transforms into a monstrous being simply through the act of falling in love. The film vividly depicts the chaotic emotion of love: wanting to connect deeply with someone, yet feeling unable to express oneself. Momo's journey illustrates the delicate balance between affection and the despair that can often accompany it.

What begins as a story of a woman who has never felt love turns into a harrowing struggle when she finally perceives the affection of another. The transformation to a monster symbolizes the extreme lengths her yearning for connection drives her to. The narrative is not just about physical change but mirrors emotional and psychological metamorphosis.

Story Overview

Momo works as a cleaner in a love hotel in Tokyo, living a life under the radar and devoid of love until she meets Kazama, a writer who has abandoned his craft. As Momo develops feelings for Kazama, her emotions spiral out of control, leading her to consume his manuscript in a fit of desperation. This act physically manifests, leading to bizarre changes to her body, as Kazama becomes captivated by her transformation, reviving his writing in a bid to document her. The deeper Momo delves into her monstrous existence, the more closely she ties herself to Kazama's narratives.

In Momo's case, the more she attempts to connect, the more monstrous she becomes. Her journey confronts the painful reality that unaddressed emotional wounds can morph one into something unrecognizable, echoing the powerful yet melancholic undertones of true love.

Director's Vision

Ryosuke Hayazaka shares his creative intent, stating, “This film seeks to explore the agonizing emotional landscape of a woman transformed by the absence of love. Momo does not yell; she does not resort to violence. Her feelings express themselves through her physical form, exemplifying a desperate desire to connect. This may not be the healthiest way to bond, but it is undeniably a human plight.” Hayazaka hopes this film resonates with viewers who have experienced similar feelings of alienation and loss.

Project Details

Title: Love is a MONSTER
Genre: Body Horror × Twisted Romance
Format: Feature Film (80-90 minutes)
Director/Writer: Ryosuke Hayazaka
Producer: Yukihiro Yamada
Primary Shooting Location: A love hotel in Tokyo
Visual Effects: A hybrid approach combining special makeup and minimal CGI
Completion Date: Scheduled for late 2026
Currently Seeking: International co-production partners (planning and production), investment, post-production, and international distribution partners.

About FILMOQ

FILMOQ, based in Minato, Tokyo, operates under the motto “Make Different.” The company aims to astonish and move audiences through the power of visual storytelling, creating commercials, films, and social media videos with stylish visuals and unique concepts.

For inquiries regarding production, contact FILMOQ regarding advertising or short drama production proposals. They offer comprehensive services from concept development to filming, editing, and delivery tailored for optimal impact in digital spaces.

Contact:
📧 [email protected]
Company Profile:
Name: FILMOQ Co., Ltd.
Location: 2-2-15 Minami Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo
CEO: Ryosuke Hayazaka
Official Site: https://filmoq.co.jp

This transformative tale, blending horror with romance, is not just a cinematic endeavor but a reflection on love’s complicated capacity to change us in ways we may never expect.