Synopsis
Rudger is an imaginary friend brought to life by Amanda's imagination, and only she can see him. The two share thrilling escapades in the attic above the bookshop run by Amanda's mother, following three unbreakable rules: never vanish, always protect each other, and never cry. One day, a strange visitor named Mr. Bunting appears, accompanied by a disturbing girl who is visible only to Amanda and Rudger. Mr. Bunting specializes in hunting imaginary friends and separating them from their human companions. When Mr. Bunting tries to capture Rudger, he accidentally causes a fatal accident involving Amanda. Now left alone, Rudger must contend with both Mr. Bunting's relentless pursuit and the danger of disappearing if Amanda forgets him.
Background
Yaneura no Rudger is an adaptation of the 2014 British children's novel The Imaginary, written by A.F. Harrold and illustrated by Emily Gravett. Through a collaboration between Studio Ponoc and French studio Les Films du Poisson Rouge, the movie combines traditional hand-drawing with new digital techniques. The film was released on Blu-ray and DVD in Japan by The Walt Disney Studios on May 15, 2024. It premiered internationally as The Imaginary at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 14, 2024. The movie became available worldwide on Netflix, starting July 5, 2024.
