Directed by Ryusei Emi

The main character Shiori, who struggles with her own identity, one day visits a women’s sex club. She has a secret that she cannot tell anyone and is afraid of being rejected, so she has a hard time exposing herself. With the help of her therapist, Takeru, she peels away her insecurities and fears.

Review by Julie C. Sheppard:

The title Peeling is well selected for this stirring short. The film progressively peels back layers of revelation and the “ripping away” sound effect is fittingly in line with a theme of what lies beneath, and helps drive this narrative.

Through much of the film, it makes use of near silence to mirror the quiet inner thoughts of the lead character Shiori who, in actuality, is going through a tumultuous journey towards truthfulness and release.

A pristine hotel room setting, with closed curtains and adorned with soft candle light, provides a warm, safe cocoon for Shiori. In this setting, the performance of the gentle, sensual therapist is an apt foil to the physically tense and emotionally nervous client. The safety of this hotel setting is in strong contrast to family scenes which show the painful gender stereotyping that Shiori has been forced to endure from relatives.

The achingly beautiful soundtrack, notably of tender piano, enhances the sexually charged environment that the professional, yet sensitive therapist is able to invoke.

As the film finds resolution, relief is palpable, when truth is fully peeled back and, even better, accepted and welcomed.