New Trailer for We Are Aliens Animated Film

Prepare to revisit the delicate dance of friendship, because a fascinating new animated feature is landing on the screen, proving that sometimes the most profound stories aren’t about the cosmos—they are about the space between people.

Kohei Kadowaki’s latest work, We Are Aliens (『我々は宇宙人』), has officially debuted its main Japanese trailer, inviting audiences into a deeply personal exploration of time and connection. While the title might suggest interstellar drama, the film skillfully pivots away from typical science fiction territory, settling instead into a poignant examination of what happens when cherished bonds are tested by jealousy, misunderstanding, and the relentless march of decades.

The visual style itself is immediately captivating. Rather than relying solely on traditional animation, the film utilizes a unique rotoscoped aesthetic, layering expressive performance over animated elements to create a hauntingly realistic yet dreamlike world. This technique gives the story a distinct texture, making the memories feel tangible and intensely lived-in.

At the heart of the narrative are two inseparable young friends, Tsubasa and Gyotaro. Their journey spans thirty years, tracing how their elementary school bond fractured and subsequently healed—or perhaps, failed to heal—as they navigated the complex landscape of adult life. The film doesn’t focus on extraordinary events; it focuses squarely on the subtle, often painful shifts that define a lifelong friendship.

The production is anchored by the voices of Ryota Bando and Amane Okayama, whose performances bring genuine depth to these decades-spanning memories. Accompanied by the evocative music of Yaffle, the film crafts an emotional tapestry that invites reflection on the enduring power of shared history.

While the project premiered at prestigious festivals like Cannes and Annecy, the critical response reflected the story’s powerful emotional core. It is a film that asks us to look back at our own relationships, acknowledging the inevitability of change while celebrating the complicated legacy of those who walked beside us.

By Olivia Smith