Influence (2021)
A gripping thriller that delves into trauma, secrets, and survival. Watch now!
MyDramaList Rating
Info
| Original Title | インフルエンス |
|---|---|
| Formats | Streaming |
| Seasons | 1 |
| Episodes | 5 |
| Duration | 50 mins |
| Status | Ended |
| Year | 2021 |
| First Air Date | March 20, 2021 |
| Last Air Date | April 17, 2021 |
| Broadcast Day | saturday |
| Network | WOWOW |
Trailer
Synopsis
Yuri goes to a female novelist and tells her that she and two of her friends committed three murders. Yuri asks the novelist to write a story about them.
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Editor's Review
“Influence” follows the intertwined lives of three girls: Yuri, Maho, and Satoko. Their paths converge in a web of lies, murder, and dark secrets. Yuri, haunted by her past, seeks redemption through storytelling. She approaches a female novelist, Oikawa Tomomi, and confesses that she and her friends committed three murders. Yuri implores Tomomi to write their story, to immortalize their pain and desperation.
Plot and Characterization: The drama masterfully delves into the psyche of these three girls. Yuri, once estranged from her childhood friend Satoko due to her parents’ intervention, carries the burden of Satoko’s sexual abuse by her own grandfather. When Maho, an outcast due to her wealth and perceived differences, enters their lives, the trio forms an unlikely bond. Together, they navigate a world where abuse and trauma shape their choices. The murders they commit become a desperate act of survival, a twisted form of justice.
Themes: “Influence” lives up to its title. It explores the profound impact of past experiences on the human psyche. Each murder is a consequence of their shared history—bullying, abuse, and betrayal. The drama reminds us that our actions are often shaped by the scars we carry. As viewers, we question why these girls repeatedly resort to violence. The answer lies in their collective trauma—their minds molded by a lack of protection when they needed it most.
Narrative Structure: The drama employs a well-paced narrative, sprinkled with unexpected plot twists that resonate. Just when we wonder why the girls continue to kill their assailants, the title serves as a poignant reminder. Their influence—their pasts—drives their actions. The suspense builds as we unravel their motivations, layer by layer. The storytelling oscillates between the present and the past, revealing the intricate threads that bind Yuri, Maho, and Satoko.
Performances: The cast delivers commendable performances. Hashimoto Kanna portrays Yuri’s emotional turmoil with depth, while Aoi Wakana’s Maho exudes vulnerability and resilience. Yoshikawa Ai captures Satoko’s pain and defiance. Their chemistry adds authenticity to their complex relationships.
Conclusion: “Influence” is a wild journey—one that grips your heart and mind. It’s a tale of survival, sacrifice, and the indelible marks left by trauma. As viewers, we grapple with moral ambiguity, questioning whether these girls are victims or perpetrators. With its unexpected twists and thought-provoking themes, “Influence” leaves an indelible mark of its own.
Verdict: An awesome show that impressed me. If you appreciate psychological thrillers with depth, “Influence” is a must-watch.