2LDK

2LDK is a small but fierce Japanese film directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi. Two actresses, Nozomi and Rana, share a Tokyo apartment while waiting to hear who gets a movie role they both auditioned for. Nozomi is shy and traditional. Rana is bold and confident. Their differences slowly turn into deadly rivalry, and what starts as small annoyances becomes a violent, darkly funny battle.

The movie was made in one week as part of a challenge, using only two actors and one location. Knowing this makes it even more impressive. Tsutsumi turns the tiny apartment into a stage for chaos. The sound design is especially strong. Every slurp, breath, and insult adds to the irritation building between them. You can feel the tension growing with each passing minute.

The film begins slowly, letting you understand both characters. Their polite conversations hide angry thoughts, and hearing their inner voices makes everything feel more real. When things finally explode, it’s shocking, funny, and brutal all at once. The violence gets over the top with ketchup, chainsaws, and kitchen tools, but it fits the dark humor perfectly. Their fight becomes absurd and strangely entertaining.

Both actresses are great. Eiko Koike’s Nozomi is quiet but fierce when pushed. Maho Nonami’s Rana is wild yet fragile underneath. Their chemistry keeps the story believable even when the chaos gets extreme. I also liked how the film hints at something deeper about how women are forced to compete, not just for roles but for respect in a world that pits them against each other.

The ending feels a bit predictable, and their luxury apartment seems unrealistic for struggling actresses. But these are small complaints. At just over an hour long, 2LDK never drags and keeps its energy high until the end. It’s funny, sharp, and surprisingly tense. A reminder that sometimes the smallest spaces hold the biggest explosions.