Sydney Chandler and Takehiro Hira take on the roles of strangers on a unique road trip.
By Kristy Puchko on March 12, 2026
In a film that explores the mysterious connections between strangers, “Anima” takes us on a sci-fi journey with a poignant human core. Sydney Chandler stars as Beck, an engineer lacking interpersonal skills, who takes a job with a company equipped to upload human consciousness into the cloud. Her job introduces her to Paul, played by Takehiro Hira, a wealthy man on the brink of an unusual end.
The plot unfolds with Beck driving Paul to a final appointment where he will be digitized and euthanized. Yet, Paul’s insistence on making several stops along the way complicates their journey. Determined to resolve past regrets, he becomes an unlikely companion to Beck. Their mismatched interactions gradually reveal deeper layers of their characters.
The film is a tapestry of interesting characters and encounters, each bringing out different facets of Beck and Paul. Throughout, the chemistry between Chandler and Hira is compelling, moving from antagonistic to warmly vulnerable. Writer/director Brian Tetsuro Ivie crafts a narrative that resonates without falling into melodrama, immersing viewers in its meditative exploration of life, death, and connection in a tech-driven world.
“Anima” is a thoughtful road trip movie that offers a touching reflection on human connections in an increasingly digitized existence. The film was showcased at SXSW.