The Full-Time Wife Escapist is a Japanese drama series that portrays the story of a young woman named Mikuri Moriyama, who struggles to find her place in life. The series is based on a manga of the same name by Tsunami Umino and was produced by Production I.G. The series revolves around Mikuri, a 25-year-old woman who works several part-time jobs to sustain herself. She has no career ambitions and no desire to get married, but societal expectations and family pressure to settle down leave her feeling lost and unfulfilled.
One day, Mikuri is introduced to Hiramasa Tsuzaki, an attractive 35-year-old man who works for the same company as her. Hiramasa has been forced by his company to take a break from work, and as he doesn't have any family or friends to spend his free time with, he proposes to Mikuri that they get married as a convenience and form a platonic relationship. At first, Mikuri is hesitant, but soon she realizes that this might be the solution to her problems. She agrees to the arrangement, and their unconventional marriage begins.
Throughout the series, Mikuri and Hiramasa navigate the ups and downs of their relationship as they try to find ways to cope with their individual issues. Mikuri is still struggling with finding her purpose, and Hiramasa is trying to come to terms with his own past mistakes. The two also face challenges such as their families' disapproval, expectations from society and their own personal doubts.
The Full-Time Wife Escapist is a thought-provoking series that explores themes of societal expectations, self-discovery, and the meaning of marriage. The characters are well developed, and the acting is excellent. The chemistry between the lead actors, Yui Aragaki and Gen Hoshino, is palpable and adds a layer of depth to their performances.
One of the highlights of the show is its portrayal of Japanese societal norms and expectations. It sheds light on the pressures young adults face in Japan to conform to society's expectations, including getting married and finding stable jobs. The show also addresses the financial difficulties that part-time workers face, and how these struggles can affect a person's ability to find meaning in their life.
The cinematography of The Full-Time Wife Escapist is also noteworthy, with beautiful shots of Tokyo and its surroundings. The soundtrack, composed by Yoko Kanno, creates a soothing and melodic atmosphere that enhances the emotions that Mikuri and Hiramasa go through.
In conclusion, The Full-Time Wife Escapist is a captivating and intelligent drama series that offers a fresh perspective on societal expectations and relationships. Its unconventional plot and sincere performances make it an enjoyable watch for anyone who enjoys character-driven dramas. The series is a must-watch for anyone who has ever felt lost or uncertain about their future.
The Full-Time Wife Escapist is a series that ran for 2 seasons (12 episodes) between February 16, 2023 and on Netflix
