The plot of “A Missing Part” is set to evolve as Japan prepares to amend its child custody laws by 2026, a shift that will impact the current practice where contested divorces can result in one parent being completely excluded from their child’s life until they turn 18. This scenario forms the backdrop of Guillaume Senez’s third film, focusing on Jay (Romain Duris), a Frenchman grappling with the fallout of his Japanese ex-partner’s move to Tokyo with their daughter.
The narrative kicks off with Jay working as a chauffeur, only to serendipitously drive his now-12-year-old daughter to school. Senez and Jean Denizot craft a screenplay that avoids overwhelming the audience with legal jargon or extensive backstory.
Instead, the story reveals naturally, revealing Jay’s turmoil through a gradual, immersive approach. Another character, Jessica (Judith Chemla), a French expatriate in a similar predicament, helps the audience understand the challenges of the Japanese legal system. She represents a more immediate and visceral response to the challenges Jay faces, reflecting a more intense struggle.
The portrayal of Japan’s custody system in the film highlights its harsh realities. Jessica’s astonishment and despair at being legally barred from her son’s life underscore the rigidity of a system that favors maintaining a single household for the child. Foreign parents, in particular, encounter formidable hurdles within this framework.
Duris’s performance shines in scenes where Jay shares his hard-won insights with Jessica, drawing on his own past mistakes. His portrayal is marked by authenticity and subtlety, providing a realistic depiction of his character’s emotional journey.
Jay’s chance to reconnect with his daughter is portrayed through a strikingly improbable turn of events, underscoring the film’s theme of hope despite adversity. A chance meeting with Lily, his daughter, during his job as a driver, allows Duris to explore a complicated range of emotions. His portrayal of concealed joy and heartache is a highlight of the film, capturing the depth of his character’s experience.
Roles like Jay’s often attract attention during awards season, but Duris focuses on delivering a genuine performance rather than seeking accolades. The character’s passivity, due to legal constraints, offers rich opportunities for emotional exploration. Should the film receive any awards recognition, it is likely to be for the strong performances, particularly Duris’s nuanced depiction of a father constrained by the legal system.
Jay’s portrayal reflects a poignant blend of love and despair, eliciting deep sympathy from the audience. His past mistakes in France add layers to his character, although his wife’s role, played by Yumi Narita, remains minor and suggests a more difficult backstory. The film hints at darker aspects of Jay’s journey but remains focused on his struggle against legal and emotional obstacles.
Unfair legal systems make for compelling antagonists in storytelling, and this film leverages that concept effectively. However, the resolution leaves the legal issues unresolved, mirroring the ongoing nature of such struggles. The film’s closing moments offer a hint of hope, yet it is the anticipated legal reforms in Japan that promise a more substantial change for the future.