"The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese" is a Japanese film based on the manga series of the same name by Setona Mizushiro. The movie, released in 2020, revolves around the complicated relationships and desires of its main characters.
The story follows Kyoichi, a married advertising company employee, who has a penchant for cheating on his wife due to his indecisive nature. One day, he unexpectedly reunites with Wataru, a former university classmate. However, Kyoichi is unaware that his wife had hired Wataru to investigate his infidelity.
Wataru reveals his long-standing affection for Kyoichi, confessing that he has had feelings for him for the past seven years. Seizing the opportunity to take advantage of Kyoichi's vulnerable situation, Wataru blackmails him. He proposes that if Kyoichi engages in a sexual relationship with him, he won't expose Kyoichi's infidelity to his wife.
Caught in a complex predicament, Kyoichi cautiously agrees to Wataru's proposition. As their secretive encounters continue, the two individuals find themselves entangled in a web of passion, desire, and emotional turmoil. Their affair not only puts Kyoichi's marriage at risk but also leads them both to question their own identities and desires.
As the story unfolds, the characters delve into the depths of their own suppressed emotions and confront societal expectations, thereby exploring themes of love, sexuality, and self-discovery. The plot delves into the intricacies of human relationships, highlighting the consequences of infidelity, blackmail, and the blurred lines between desire, manipulation, and genuine affection.
"The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese" offers a thought-provoking and emotionally charged narrative that examines the complexities of love and desire, challenging traditional notions of relationships and societal norms.