Drifting Home is a Netflix anime movie released in 2022 by Studio Colorido, known for making other heartfelt films like Penguin Highway and A Whisker Away. This movie is both beautiful to look at and rich in story, taking viewers on an emotional journey through childhood memories, friendship, and the challenges of growing up.
Drifting Home felt very relatable to me because it reminded me of childhood memories and the importance of certain places in our lives. Watching Kosuke and Natsume’s journey was like a gentle reminder that, while it’s okay to remember the past, sometimes we need to let go and look forward.
I also liked how the movie shows real, honest emotions of growing up—like misunderstanding friends, feeling jealous, and the sadness of moving on. Kosuke and Natsume’s relationship felt realistic and showed how friendships can change as we grow.
I found Drifting Home powerful because it teaches us to appreciate our memories but also move forward. Seeing the characters come to terms with their feelings and find a way to look to the future was heartwarming.
Story Summary
The story follows two childhood friends, Kosuke and Natsume, who grew up together in the same old apartment building. This building is meaningful to them because it holds many happy memories of playing, laughing, and exploring together. But now, the building is abandoned and set to be torn down, and Kosuke and Natsume’s friendship has become distant as they’ve grown older.
One day, Kosuke, Natsume, and a few friends sneak into the building to relive old memories. Then, something strange happens—the building suddenly floats away on the ocean, with the kids trapped inside. As they drift across the vast sea, they must face their feelings, look back on their past, and find a way to return home.
Animation and Art
The art in Drifting Home is stunning. Studio Colorido used bright, rich colors and beautifully detailed backgrounds to bring the story to life. The vast, open ocean, along with the image of the lonely building floating on it, creates a magical yet sad atmosphere. The mix of the familiar (the old building) and the mysterious (the wide ocean) is a powerful symbol for the story’s main theme: moving on from the past.
The characters are also very well animated, with small, realistic details that make their emotions feel real. The building itself, with its worn-out walls and familiar rooms, helps create a nostalgic feeling, reminding us of places we once held dear.
Themes and Message
One of the strongest parts of Drifting Home is its exploration of nostalgia (remembering the past), letting go, and dealing with memories that still mean a lot to us. Kosuke and Natsume’s friendship shows how complicated growing up can be—they still care for each other, but they have grown apart over time.
The abandoned building symbolizes how we sometimes hold on to people or places from the past, even when it’s time to move forward. For Natsume, the building is a comforting link to her grandfather, who has passed away. For Kosuke, it’s a reminder of the simple, happy days of childhood. Their journey on the ocean is a clear symbol of how memories sometimes float around in our minds, and how letting go can be hard but necessary.
Voice Acting and Music
The voice actors do a fantastic job of capturing the characters’ feelings, especially during the emotional parts of the story. Kosuke and Natsume’s voices really bring out their struggles, making them feel like real kids. The music also fits well with the movie’s calm and mysterious tone, adding to the story’s emotional depth.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Drifting Home is a beautiful and emotional film with lovely animation and a touching story. It’s a film about the joys and struggles of growing up, the value of friendship, and the courage it takes to let go of the past. Although the movie’s pace is slow at times, it gives you time to think about its deeper messages.
