"Something Sweet to Balance the Spice" is a poignant, meditative short film script centred on Kokoro, a 21-year-old woman suffering from a form of anterograde amnesia since the loss of her parents at age 16. Each day, she wakes up to a world she cannot remember, piecing together her identity from notes and objects in her apartment. Through a simple yet emotionally charged encounter with her landlord—an older man also marked by loss—Kokoro embarks on a journey to recreate her mother’s curry, seeking emotional connection and a sense of continuity in her fractured world.
LOGLINE
A young woman whose memory resets every day struggles to piece together her identity and reconnect with her late mother through a forgotten family recipe, enlisting the help of her gentle landlord. As she searches for the secret ingredient, she discovers unexpected connection and comfort, risking her fragile sense of self for a fleeting taste of belonging and remembrance.
TRAILER
THEME
"Even in a Life Marked by Loss and Forgetting, moments of human connection and kindness can still be remembered, if only for a day."
-Memory and Identity: Exploring how memories shape who we are and the pain of losing them.
- Loneliness and Connection: The human need for companionship and understanding.
- Healing through Rituals: Cooking and shared meals as metaphors for healing and remembering.
MOOD BOARD
WHY THIS STORY?
SOMETHING SWEET TO BALANCE THE SPICE offers a poignant meditation on the resilience of the human spirit. Kokoro’s journey underscores the power of shared moments and small victories in the face of overwhelming loss, inviting viewers to reflect on their own connections and memories.
DAVID MICHÁN (DIRECTOR & SCREENWRITER)
TONE & STYLE
"Something Sweet to Balance the Spice" offers a contemplative experience, marked by a serene atmosphere punctuated by moments of introspection that delve into profound emotional landscapes. Its visual storytelling is deeply moving, capturing themes of isolation while subtly suggesting glimmers of vitality and warmth. The use of natural lighting enhances the authenticity of the scenes, creating a tangible sense of reality, while the soft colour palette fosters a tranquil and soothing ambiance. These elements converge to cultivate an inviting atmosphere that encourages viewers to engage meaningfully with the film's underlying emotions and narratives.
CHARACTERS
KOKORO
FEMALE LEAD
ETHNICITY: JAPANESE
AGE: 21
A 21-year-old woman suffering from daily memory loss since losing both parents in an accident at age 16. Kokoro lives alone, relying on notes and reminders to navigate her day-to-day life. Her journey revolves around rediscovering her identity, reconnecting with her late mother through her recipes, and forging a tentative bond with her caring landlord. Kokoro is defined by her quiet resilience, vulnerability, and longing for connection as she grapples with loneliness and seeks meaning.
LANDLORD
SUPPORTING MALE
ETHNICITY: JAPANESE
AGE: 60s
An elderly man in his 60s who owns the apartment building where Kokoro lives. He is empathetic, patient, and acts as a surrogate parental figure for Kokoro. The landlord is grieving the loss of his own daughter, finding solace in tending sunflowers—her favourite. He provides gentle guidance and practical help, such as assisting Kokoro with cooking her mother's curry recipe, and he becomes an emotional anchor for her journey.
AUDIENCE
"For seekers of human emotions and relationships"
Something Sweet to Balance the Spice is for fans of character-driven dramas and psychological narratives. It targets viewers who are particularly interested in exploring profound themes such as memory, personal loss, and the intricate process of healing. These themes resonate deeply with individuals seeking stories that delve into the complexities of human emotion and relationships, providing a rich and engaging viewing experience.
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