Best Drama Anime of 2025

Employing her keen intellect and profound knowledge of medicine and poisons, Maomao played a pivotal role in deciphering the mysteries and conspiracies that afflicted the imperial court. Confronted with the grim realities regarding her parents, she persists in her duties serving the emperor's favored consorts. Collaborating with the eunuch Jinshi, she aids in enhancing the welfare of the ladies-in-waiting by instructing them in literacy. Nevertheless, the arrival of a merchant caravan introduces fresh complications. Unusual incidents connected to the traders and their wares disturb Maomao, driving her to investigate the enigmatic circumstances enveloping the caravan. As dangers emanating from both within and beyond the palace threaten the harmony among the imperial concubines, Maomao deploys her ingenuity and medical expertise to shield the women from harm.

Kikyo Private Academy, renowned for its prestige and elite female student body, contrasts sharply with Chidori Public High School, notorious for its unruly delinquents. These stark differences lead to frequent clashes between students of the two schools. At Chidori, Rintarou Tsumugi, a tall and imposing figure, is often shunned by his peers despite his gentle nature. While working at his family’s patisserie, Rintarou encounters a customer named Kaoruko Waguri. After an initial misunderstanding that causes her to flee, she returns the next day to apologize, revealing herself as a cheerful and kind-hearted person. As Rintarou and Kaoruko spend more time together, he values her acceptance beyond his intimidating appearance and looks forward to their meetings. However, their relationship faces obstacles when Rintarou learns that Kaoruko is a student at Kikyo, challenging the usual barriers and stereotypes between their worlds.

An alien shaped like a squid, called a Happian, travels from his home planet to bring joy throughout the universe. After arriving on Earth, he barely escapes being caught by humans and is rescued by a quiet young girl named Shizuka Kuze. Shizuka feeds him and gives him the name Takopii. Thankful for her kindness, Takopii focuses all his efforts on making Shizuka smile. But this mission proves harder than he expected. Shizuka is bullied by her classmates, has no father in her life, and her mother is rarely around—though the innocent Takopii does not understand how serious these problems are. Still, Shizuka finds comfort in her dog, Chappy. Her closeness with Chappy makes Takopii even more determined to bring happiness to her face. Takopii's attempts to cheer up Shizuka often lead to surprising results, but he stays committed to using his tentacles to take control, learn more about human feelings, and carry out his goal of spreading happiness.

After acing his university entrance exams, Sakuta Azusagawa meets up with Mai Sakurajima, his girlfriend, at their new campus. He starts easing into college life through campus activities and forging new friendships. But this calm routine gets shaken when Uzuki Hirokawa, Sakuta’s friend and fellow Sweet Bullet idol, starts acting strangely. When another Sweet Bullet member, Nodoka Toyohama, asks for help, Sakuta spots the telltale signs of the elusive Puberty Syndrome. Uzuki is buckling under the weight of a sudden surge in popularity and whispers of going solo. As Sakuta hunts for a way to help Uzuki, yet another case of Puberty Syndrome begins to creep out from the sidelines.

In "The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 4," Naofumi Iwatani sets out with his allies toward the isolated eastern kingdom of Q'ten Lo to shield Raphtalia from the assassins hunting her. Along the way, they stop in Siltvelt, a land founded by a legendary shield hero, where Naofumi is worshipped as a deity and offered the chance to govern the country. Declining the role, Naofumi chooses to continue his journey before the arrival of looming monstrous threats. However, despite his plans, he becomes entangled in Siltvelt's complex political conflicts. After barely escaping an assassination attempt, Naofumi resolves to confront the nation's rulers, aiming to prove that their personal grudges and trivial ambitions are insignificant compared to his unwavering commitment to protecting the world.

Centuries after the devastating war against the Nokkers in Renril, the world has changed beyond recognition. Thanks to Fushi's long efforts during his extended slumber, a modern civilization has emerged where he and all living beings can coexist in harmony. Upon waking from his rest, Fushi is eager to explore this new era and reunite with his lost companions. During his travels, Fushi encounters Yuuki Aoki, an enthusiastic middle school student, who warmly welcomes him and his friends into his home. As the group settles into their new surroundings and learns the intricacies of contemporary life, Fushi meets Mizuha, one of Yuuki's friends, whose appearance reminds him of someone from his past. Mizuha is revealed to be a descendant of the Guardians, a dedicated lineage entrusted with protecting Fushi. Like those before her, she forms a deep connection with Fushi, finding purpose in her bond with him. However, as Mizuha grows closer to Fushi, strange events begin occurring around her, signaling that beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect world lie hidden problems.

Following the activation of her Dream-Sight power, Miyo Saimori is once again united with her fiancé, Kiyoka Kudou, who leads a special force dedicated to safeguarding the country against those with malicious supernatural abilities. Their tranquil existence is quickly upended when Takaihito, the frontrunner for the imperial succession, assigns Kiyoka to a dangerous mission. Accompanied by Miyo, Kiyoka journeys to his parents' secluded residence to look into recent sightings of demons in the vicinity. Simultaneously, Miyo works to win over her frosty mother-in-law, Fuyu, who remains unaccepting of her role in the family. Upon repelling an attack from the Gifted Communion—a covert group of gifted individuals—Kiyoka brings Miyo back to the capital. As the looming threat to the empire intensifies, Kiyoka must thwart the Gifted Communion’s plans to shield Miyo and those close to him.

In the bustling city of Tokyo, elite horse girls and promising young talents dominate the national racing circuit. Aspiring trainer Jou Kitahara begins his journey with ambitious dreams but modest expectations, never anticipating that his breakthrough would come from an unremarkable town like Kasamatsu—until he discovers a girl with ash-gray hair who possesses a raw yet powerful running form. Oguri Cap endured a difficult childhood plagued by weak knees, struggling just to stand upright. Driven by unwavering determination, she overcame her physical limitations and found freedom in running, an activity once thought impossible for her. Unlike her fellow horse girls in Kasamatsu who pursue victory and recognition, Oguri runs purely for the joy of movement, without any particular goal. Fujimasa March, a rising local star, earns admiration through her disciplined approach, exceptional skills, and relentless drive. Running is her passion and source of pride. Yet, during a school-organized race where she competes against Oguri's untamed speed, March's confidence begins to falter. Meanwhile, Oguri undergoes a transformation after facing off against March, as a spark of ambition ignites within her for the first time, inspiring her to strive for more than the limits of her hometown and to reach the grand stages ahead.

Tsukasa Akeuraji had always aspired to be a competitive solo figure skater, but starting late in life kept him from reaching that goal. Now, financial difficulties force him to take on a role as an assistant coach, settling for a future that feels far from his original ambitions. The night before his first day at work, Tsukasa encounters Inori Yuitsuka, a timid fifth-grader practicing on the ice rink without permission. Inori is passionate about figure skating but is held back by her mother's overprotectiveness and her own lack of confidence. She has no support for her dreams until she meets Tsukasa. Despite her shy demeanor, Inori possesses great potential, waiting for the right guidance to flourish. Moved by Inori's determination and remembering his own struggles, Tsukasa decides to train her and help her realize the dream she has been too afraid to voice. The path ahead is long and filled with challenges and rivals, but Inori commits herself fully to the sport, aiming to reach the Olympics and become a medalist one day.

A compilation series adapting 8 short stories created by manga artist Tatsuki Fujimoto during the ages of 17 to 26. 1) A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin' in the Schoolyard (Dir. Seishirou Nagaya, ZEXCS) 2) Sasaki Stopped a Bullet (Dir. Nobukage Kimura, Lapin Track) 3) Love is Blind (Dir. Nobuyuki Takeuchi, Lapin Track) 4) Shikaku (Dir. Naoya Ando, GRAPH77) 5) Mermaid Rhapsody (Dir. Tetsuaki Watanabe, 100Studio) 6) Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome (Dir. Kazuaki Terasawa, Studio Kafka) 7) Nayuta of the Prophecy (Dir. Tetsuaki Watanabe, 100Studio) 8) Sisters (Dir. Osamu Honma, P.A.WORKS) This anime held a worldwide premiere ahead of its release at the "Global Stage Hollywood 2025" film festival on October 5, 2025. A general two-week theatrical run in Japan, split into two parts, launched on the same day, October 17, 2025. The series later began streaming globally on Amazon Prime Video on November 8, 2025.

Set apart from the city's hustle and bustle, Torishirojima is a tranquil island where time moves slowly. Hairi Takahara, a young boy bearing emotional scars, finds an excuse in his grandmother's death to leave the urban chaos behind and spend the summer on this serene island. Upon arrival, Hairi feels rejuvenated by the island's calm atmosphere, which differs greatly from his usual hurried lifestyle. Staying with his aunt, Kyouko Misaki, his plan is to assist her in organizing a storage shed full of items collected by his grandmother over the years, while his cousin Umi Katou is also around to help. As he gets accustomed to the island’s unhurried pace, Hairi explores during his spare moments and meets several unique individuals: the lively Tsumugi Wenders, the introverted Shiroha Naruse, the nomadic Kamome Kushima, and the sassy Ao Sorakado. Drawn into their lives and the island’s mysterious charm, Hairi experiences a summer rich with happiness, reminiscence, and pivotal experiences that will deeply affect him.

Hinako Yaotose still grieves the loss of her family in a maritime disaster and often thinks of drowning herself in the ocean. Miko Yashiro, her sole companion, helps Hinako hold on to life, but Hinako falls back into despair once Miko leaves. During one summer, Hinako’s existence is transformed when she encounters Shiori Oumi, whose eyes possess the same depth and clarity as the sea, drawing Hinako in deeply. Distraught after finding Shiori again, Hinako is suddenly dragged underwater by a massive sea monster. When she awakens after the incident, she finds Shiori, who reveals her own monstrous form and annihilates the creature. Despite this apparent rescue, Shiori’s real goal is to devour Hinako. The next day, Shiori transfers into Hinako’s class as a new student, bringing a smile to Hinako’s face—she sees in Shiori the means to fulfill her quiet longing for death.

Togashi is known as the fastest runner at his elementary school, especially in the hundred-meter dash during gym class and sports day. But without any real rivals, he feels unchallenged. That changes when Komiya transfers in—a student who loves running but lacks proper technique. Togashi seizes the chance to coach him, and the two quickly bond over their shared passion for speed. Their friendship is cut short when Komiya unexpectedly transfers away. Despite the separation, both continue honing their running skills over the years, each facing their own obstacles. They push their limits, questioning whether Togashi's belief that being the fastest in the hundred-meter dash can solve everything still holds true.

High school student Naoto Watori spends his days looking after his younger sister, Suzushiro. Since their parents died two years ago, the two siblings have moved from one relative to another, with Naoto handling most of the responsibilities. Now living at their aunt’s house, Naoto has finally found a measure of stability. This peace is shattered when Satsuki Tachibana enrolls at his school. Once close friends, their relationship fell apart after Satsuki destroyed Naoto’s family garden, and she then vanished from their lives. Despite that history, Satsuki now seems determined to pursue a romantic relationship with Naoto after their reunion. Along with others who carry their own hidden secrets, Naoto’s hope for a quiet life faces serious obstacles.

This is the latter part of Umamusume: Cinderella Gray. Coming from a modest rural upbringing, Oguri Cap has completely flipped the racing world upside down. Her relentless surge through the national circuit seemed unstoppable—until it hit a wall. Tamamo Cross, the current pinnacle of racing, has defeated the Beast and named Oguri Cap as her rival. Yet Oguri Cap cannot afford to fix all her attention on Tamamo Cross. Riders from every corner of the globe are arriving in Japan one after another, all eager to prove their own abilities. Up against the world's elite, her ashen racer must push beyond her existing limits to have any hope of succeeding… Keep your eyes open—a Cinderella story packed with unexpected twists and turns awaits!

The Shaderan household, once powerful but now teetering on the edge of financial ruin, is desperate to regain its former status. The selfish baron and baroness shower their beautiful elder daughter, Anastasia, with attention in hopes of securing a wealthy marriage alliance, while treating their younger daughter, Marie, with the scorn typically reserved for a lowly servant. Years of neglect and abuse have left Marie convinced that she is unworthy of love or kindness. At a celebration held to showcase Anastasia, Marie encounters Count Kyros Granado. He is immediately captivated by her and her knowledge of his family history. Mistaking Marie for Anastasia, Kyros proposes marriage. Tragically, Anastasia dies in an accident before the wedding can take place. Reluctantly stepping into her sister's role, Marie becomes Kyros's betrothed—assuming the position he originally intended for Anastasia. Despite Marie's deep insecurity, Kyros remains unwavering in his support, helping her recognize her own worth and discover true love.

In the monumental tournament where immortal gods battle mortal heroes, humanity has surprisingly managed to match the power of the deities, leaving the divine side stunned. Furious at this development, Zeus orders his brother Hades, ruler of the underworld, to enter the arena for the next round. Facing this dire moment, Valkyrie commander Brunhilde reveals her ultimate weapon: Qin Shi Huang, the first and most powerful emperor of China. As he clashes with Hades in combat, Qin Shi Huang must prove that he alone possesses the true right to rule, eclipsing both humans and gods.

In "Once Upon a Witch's Death," Meg Raspberry devotes herself to studying magic under the Eternal Witch, Faust, with the goal of one day matching her legendary renown. But on her seventeenth birthday, Faust reveals that Meg has only a single year remaining before she dies—the result of a congenital curse that will cause her to age at an accelerated rate once she turns eighteen, leading to a swift death. Faust suggests a potential solution: consuming a Seed of Life, which can be created by gathering a thousand tears of joy over the course of a year. Determined to survive, Meg sets out on this difficult quest, meeting various people with their own unique stories along the way.

Eleven-year-old orphan Anne Shirley has spent her life constantly moving from one home to another, searching for a place where she truly belongs. When she arrives at Green Gables, a remote farm in Avonlea, she meets Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, two older siblings, and learns there has been a mistake. The Cuthberts had asked for a boy to help with the farm work, so they are surprised to find a lively, imaginative girl standing before them instead. Despite their initial hesitation, Anne’s energy, humor, and charm soon win over the Cuthberts. As Anne settles into her new surroundings, she experiences many firsts, including attending school and forming close friendships, all while navigating the joys and challenges of growing up.

Mizuho Nishino is an aspiring manga artist living with her four childhood friends: Kizuki Hazawa, Shuugo Hoshikawa, Shin Kashiwagi, and Airu Izumi. On her 17th birthday, Kizuki suddenly confesses his love and asks her to be his girlfriend. Despite his sincere and persistent attempts to win her over, Mizuho, who has never experienced romance before, turns down his initial offer. With Kizuki openly expressing his feelings, Mizuho finds herself in a tricky position, afraid that starting a relationship might disrupt their long-standing friendship. As she navigates the challenges of growing up, she learns that the other three boys also have feelings for her. This discovery complicates her struggle to understand her own emotions without breaking the precious bonds she shares with her friends.

Since childhood, Hana Haruyama has been captivated by the art of storytelling. After being inspired by a young performer's enchanting show on television, she decides to pursue narration as her own path. Hana practices by telling stories to the children of Tonaki Island, who greatly enjoy her performances. Living in a small community, she remains unaware of opportunities beyond her immediate surroundings and is content with her life. When Hana becomes a first-year student at Sumomogaoka High School, her talent catches the attention of Mizuki Usurai, the president of the broadcasting club. Despite feeling uncertain about the future, Mizuki convinces Hana to join the club, develop her skills further, and possibly compete in the prestigious NHK Broadcasting Competition nationals.

After Sakiko Togawa's once-privileged life falls apart, she painfully breaks her promise to CRYCHIC, leaving a deep wound inside her. Struggling financially and haunted by the tarnishing of a treasured memory, she reaches a critical turning point. Driven by a fractured sense of purpose and a desire to reclaim what she lost, Sakiko forms Ave Mujica, a masked symphonic metal group. Rather than sharing a common goal, each band member pursues their own personal ambitions, resulting in a haunting mix of loss and renewal expressed through gothic theatrical performances. As these individual motivations clash, old wounds from their pasts resurface. The fragile illusion they have constructed begins to crack, threatening to plunge Sakiko into complete chaos.

In her college years, Sam Young dedicated herself to creating an adventure puzzle game called Ruminate. Though her childhood was marred by severe illness, she remains resolute in her goal to become a professional game developer. Her aspirations take a hit when her favorite gaming streamer, Marshall Law, plays Ruminate and harshly criticizes it, calling it the worst game he has ever encountered. His fans follow suit, flooding her game with negative reviews and jeopardizing her career. Matters worsen when Marshall moves into the house next door to Sam, unaware that she is the creator he so severely panned. Despite his seemingly kind nature, Sam struggles to bridge the gap between them. Before diving into her next project, Evermake, Sam must find a way to mend her tarnished reputation.

The second season of Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi. Aoi, a girl who has the ability to see ayakashi spirits, is suddenly confronted by an ogre. Odanna demands that she repay her grandfather's debt and makes an outrageous proposal: that she become his bride! Turning down this ridiculous offer, Aoi chooses to work at the Tenjin-ya bed and breakfast in order to settle what her family owes. When we last saw her, Aoi continues her job at Tenjin-ya, where more ayakashi troubles and new challenges lie ahead.

Ikurou Hoshi and Sara Haizaki work as concierges at Hotel Inhumans, a hotel that caters exclusively to assassins. They fulfill any request made by their guests without refusal. Ikurou specializes in researching the backgrounds of the hotel’s clientele, while Sara protects the premises with combat skills that rival those of the assassins they serve. Despite serving these killers, Ikurou harbors a strong disdain for individuals who kill for money and expresses his wish to leave his job daily. However, with each assignment he and Sara complete for their visitors, Ikurou begins to uncover a surprising degree of humanity among the assassins. Each new discovery about the lives and motivations of these killers helps Ikurou see that assassins share more similarities with ordinary people, including himself and Sara, than he initially believed.

Commissioned to mark five decades since the original Versailles no Bara manga debuted, this film adaptation centers on two women navigating the turbulent pre-revolutionary French court. Eager to forge a political alliance, the Austrian Empress arranges for her charming but pampered daughter, Marie Antoinette, to wed the French crown prince, Louis XVI. Upon her arrival at Versailles, Antoinette encounters Oscar Francois de Jarjayes, Captain of the Royal Guards—a dashing figure she initially takes for a young man, only to discover that Oscar is actually a woman. As the youngest daughter of a noble house lacking a male heir, Oscar was raised as a boy to carry on the family’s military tradition. Smothered by the strict etiquette of her new role and desperate for genuine connection, Antoinette quickly grows fond of this intriguing woman and eagerly befriends her. Yet as the childish new queen heedlessly wields her power, Oscar finds herself torn between unwavering loyalty to the crown and the mounting plight of the impoverished masses. Recounting the era of the French Revolution, Versailles no Bara portrays the struggles of two women unfairly burdened by familial duties. Forced to deny their true selves at the cost of personal fulfillment, they nonetheless press forward to become pivotal figures in the course of history.

Gaku Kitada has always been passionate about mathematics, harboring dreams of competing in the Olympiad and eventually becoming a renowned mathematician at the University of Tokyo while attending the elite Wels Academy. However, his anxiety and lack of self-confidence hamper his efforts, causing him to fail in qualifying for the main competition and ultimately deciding to stop participating in future contests—a choice that leads to his expulsion from the academy. During this challenging time, Gaku encounters Kai Asakura, a talented chef who notices Gaku's unique approach of applying mathematical principles to create balanced dishes. Though hesitant at first, Gaku starts utilizing his mathematical abilities in cooking, rekindling his love for the subject. Driven by this fresh passion, Gaku shifts his career path to combine numbers with cuisine, aiming to satisfy both his intellectual curiosity and the culinary cravings of his customers.

Following the summer concert and the departure of the third-year students, the Orchestra Club at Umimaku High School focuses on preparing for the national competition with a new lineup primarily consisting of second-year members. As the group faces challenges due to varying levels of enthusiasm and familiarity with the music, the members work hard to harmonize their skills and achieve their musical goals.

The film is based on a romance manga by Pom. Its opening segment was shown early at a special event on January 25, 2025, and the regular theatrical run began on February 14, 2025.

During the Edo period, Ichitarou, the sickly heir of a well-known pharmacy, spends most of his time confined to his room because of his fragile health. Unfavorable gossip surrounds his condition, leading his grandfather to pray for protective spirits. In response, two guardians named Sasuke and Nikichi are assigned to watch over Ichitarou throughout his life, ensuring his safety and well-being. As Ichitarou grows older, he increasingly wishes to do something beyond his room, despite being advised by others to rest. One evening, he sneaks out alone without his guardians and remains outside after sunset. On his way back, he meets a bleeding person who pursues him. Using quick thinking, Ichitarou escapes and ends up at the scene of a brutal murder. The next day, news of the killing spreads, but the reported description of the victim's wound does not match what Ichitarou witnessed. With the culprit still at large, Ichitarou decides to investigate further, gathering information from both human and supernatural sources, hoping to solve the mystery.

In Maebashi, high schooler Yuina Akagi lives a carefree life, spending her time online shopping and snapping pictures of her everyday adventures. One day, she meets a talking frog that recognizes her hidden magical potential and instantly transports her to the Witch-Verse. There, the frog introduces her to four other chosen girls: the cheerful Choco Mitsumata, the elegant Kyouka Kitahara, the laid-back Mai Kamiizumi, and the hot-tempered Azu Niisato, who is at first doubtful of Yuina. Even with their different personalities, the five of them share the same goal of becoming true witches. Their path to achieving this involves granting human desires through music, which serves as the most effective channel for magic. As Yuina learns to control her newfound abilities, her journey into a life of magic dedicated to helping others becomes more thrilling than any photo her camera could ever capture.

After an attack disrupts the delicate equilibrium between the spirit realm and the human world, Hei allies with Luye—the last remaining student of his master Wuxian—to expose a scheme endangering both realities and the vow they swore to safeguard them.

Following the heavenly lightning, Ne Zha and Ao Bing managed to survive by turning into Spirits, but they are on the verge of total dissipation. Taiyi schemes to use the Seven-colored Precious Lotus to recreate their mortal bodies. However, countless difficulties emerge during the reconstruction process. What will become of Ne Zha and Ao Bing's destiny?

Compilation film of GIRLS BAND CRY featuring new animation footage. The first of the GBC compilation movie duology.

Two schoolgirls named San and Mayu are living in Okinawa during the final months of the Pacific War. Along with their classmates, they are forced into the war effort to serve as nurses for wounded soldiers. When given the order to die for their country, the remaining members of the group escape, only to confront the unforgiving conditions of a tropical paradise that has become a hellish battlefield.

In the autumn of 2023, Akutsu, an elderly inmate serving a life sentence, faces the prospect of ending his days alone behind bars. A perceptive touch-me-not flower remarks, "What a miserable existence you've led," sparking Akutsu's recollections through their exchange. The narrative then moves to the summer of 1986, where Akutsu lives with Nana, a woman six years his junior, and her son Kensuke in a dilapidated apartment decorated with touch-me-not flowers. The story intertwines the brief resurgence of a declining yakuza figure with the unfolding drama of this family, as told by the flower blooming within the prison.

In the summer of Shouwa 19 (1944), Tamaru—once a would-be mangaka turned soldier—was stationed on Peleliu Island as the Pacific War neared its end. The island, a tropical haven with thick forests and brilliant coral reefs, had become the stage for fierce fighting between 50,000 Japanese and American troops. With 40,000 battle-hardened U.S. soldiers advancing to capture what was regarded as East Asia’s finest airfield, 10,000 Japanese defenders were ordered to hold the line at any cost. In the midst of this turmoil, the question lingers: what drove these young men to fight, and what filled their minds on this distant, isolated island far from home? This story portrays the often-unseen truths of war through the eyes of the youth trapped within it.

From the moment of birth until death, every individual is given a range of nicknames, some of which are insulting. This story portrays the beautiful yet tragic existence of the protagonist, who unintentionally rises to the highest position, set against the backdrop of modern-day problems such as elderly drivers, the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry, the unexplained deaths of young people, and war.

The film explores the subject of global warming. This family-oriented adventure story takes place in a dystopian future and focuses on a young boy, Takara. A girl from the present day called Sara journeys through time to the year 2100. She and Takara must struggle to survive in a future world where global warming has caused widespread destruction.

In the aftermath of a devastating war, three young women serve as soldiers in a cold, barren landscape covered in snow. Their mission is to search the frozen wasteland for survivors of the Iron Army—eerie, deformed weapons that were once human. Gros and especially the inexperienced Leichte look up to Esus, who is stronger and wiser than they are. Yet Esus has her own flaws and unhealed emotional scars. Somewhere out in the vast, deadly ocean of snow lie the answers—both to Esus' suffering and to the terrible secret behind this war.

During the sweltering peak of summer break, George, a boy who obsesses over cleanliness, is brought by his parents to a crowded public swimming pool. He stays perched on the pool's edge, paralyzed with fear, until he spots his younger sister drifting alone on the water.