Egoist – Movie Review & Ending Explained

• Attraction
• Generosity
• Kosuke & Ryuta
• Materialism
• Secret
• Purchase
• Workload
• Ownership
• Ego vs love
• Guilt
• Ryuta's mom
• What is love?

Attraction

Egoist begins by teasing an instant attraction between the lead characters. The sexual tension is brewing during their first meeting at the gym. Ryuta compliments his client's physique, while Kosuke praises his personal trainer's handsome looks. The movie also shows them doing physical workouts with intimate body contact. During a stretch, Ryuta places a hand near Kosuke's buttocks. The camera focuses on close-up shots of their body parts, adding to the suggestiveness of their relationship.

After the workout, Kosuke and Ryuta sit down to chat. They get to know each other better. Ryuta talks enthusiastically about his aspirations for a full-time personal training career. He smiles cutely afterward. "That's amazing!" Kosuke flatters him. Okay, let's be honest. Ryuta's plans aren't that impressive. However, Kosuke is in a flirtatious mode and wants to appear agreeable. During their exchange, Kosuke stares and smirks at Ryuta with desire written all over his face. Oh my god, that is a look of hungry craving! Kosuke's expression screams: "I want a piece of this man!"

Beyond his angelic appearance, Ryuta also has an adorable personality. When he hits his head on the counter, his clumsiness seems strangely endearing. It shows him with his defences down, like Ryuta is just being his awkward and genuine self. Furthermore, Ryuta wants to buy a gift for his mom, a sentiment that indicates his thoughtfulness. These lovable qualities make Kosuke even more smitten with his partner. He describes Ryuta as "innocent", "pure", and "a good kid". A large part of Ryuta's appeal is his earnestness. Kosuke likes him for his sincere heart.

Generosity

Ryuta comes from a poor household and must work multiple jobs to support his single mom financially. Despite being strapped for cash, Ryuta insists on paying the restaurant bill. This gesture reveals several aspects of his character. One, he doesn't want to mooch off his wealthy client. Even though Kosuke has a higher income, Ryuta won't shift the economic burden onto him. And two, it demonstrates Ryuta's pride. He cherishes his ability to support himself without relying on someone else to pay his expenses.

In their next meeting, Kosuke buys the expensive souvenir that Ryuta couldn't afford previously. His actions stem from generosity. Kosuke sees his companion struggling with money, so he offers his support. Ryuta looks troubled and declines the gift. Yet, Kosuke asserts his dominance. Ryuta is in an awkward position where turning down his client seems rude or offensive. He reluctantly accepts the present, despite never asking for this charity. It marks Kosuke's first instance of imposing his will onto Ryuta, raising questions about the power dynamics in their relationship.

Although inconvenienced, Ryuta feels thankful for Kosuke's generosity. He rewards his partner with a spontaneous kiss. However, he clarifies his affection doesn't come from buying him a gift. Fair enough. They shared a mutual attraction from the get-go. Kosuke's thoughtful gesture strengthens Ryuta's budding feelings. The couple heads to the loft, where they continue making out. Suddenly, the camera pans down to the gift bag in Ryuta's hand. Despite Ryuta's claims, the storyteller makes us wonder how much Kosuke's present may have influenced this romance.

Kosuke and Ryuta

Kosuke and Ryuta are sexually compatible. Egoist makes a deliberate choice to highlight the couple's versatility. Kosuke begins in a submissive position during the first encounter, yet he switches to a dominant role in the next scene. Their fluidity shows a balanced dynamic, not restricting either partner to strictly tops and bottoms in their sexual experiences. The open-minded arrangement indicates their reciprocal love. You give, but you also get to receive.

Ryuta leaves Kosuke's apartment after a wild day of sex. The couple only said goodbye moments ago. Yet, Kosuke heads to the balcony to watch Ryuta's departure. Similarly, Ryuta turns around and glances back. They spot one another and wave enthusiastically. This scene highlights the depth of their romantic feelings. Despite spending hours of intimacy together, Kosuke and Ryuta still search for each other from a far distance. Once again, the story highlights a reciprocal connection. It's not just a one-sided love. Both protagonists seem equally smitten in their new relationship.

Kosuke continues to give presents to his boyfriend. Ryuta declines, but Kosuke insists until his partner accepts. It has become a disturbing pattern. Kosuke invites Ryuta over for sex and sends him off with a parting gift, like a bartering transaction. Since Ryuta doesn't have money to afford anything, he can only repay his boyfriend with physical affection. "Thank you for taking care of me." Ryuta accepts the gift bag and returns a polite kiss. Yet, there's an underlying tension. This relationship is no longer reciprocal because their power dynamics seem imbalanced.

Materialism

Kosuke doesn't see anything wrong with buying presents for his boyfriend. Like flowers or chocolates, these gifts are a token of his appreciation. Kosuke assigns much value to material possessions in his everyday life. He lives in a lofty apartment, wears fancy designer brands, and collects high-end accessories. While Kosuke isn't rich, he earns a decent job salary. Kosuke also doesn't have to raise his parents or dependents, so he has disposable income to spare.

Kosuke's materialism comes from his upbringing. During his teenage years, he faced bullying because of his sexuality. The mistreatment drove Kosuke to prove his worth and gain validation. As an adult, he wants to project an image of confidence. Kosuke struts around in an expensive wardrobe, flaunting his status, success, and sophistication. Unlike his former bullies in their drab uniforms, he appears glamorous. Kosuke calls these clothes his armour because they empower him. Designer labels conceal his insecurities and protect him from inferiority.

Kosuke places so much significance on material wealth that he misconstrues it as a currency for love. He dotes on his boyfriend lavishly and assumes Ryuta would appreciate the generosity. Yet, Ryuta feels burdened by the extravagance. Kosuke offers another gift bag and says, "You should be used to it by now." Ryuta responds by breaking up with him. Typically, you don't end a relationship over your boyfriend's presents. However, Ryuta feels pressured since each gift carries an emotional obligation. It triggers Ryuta's guilt because he isn't faithful to his lover.

Secret

During the breakup, Ryuta reveals he secretly works as an escort. Since dropping out of high school, he has been sleeping with other men for money. With many years of experience, he is a professional sex worker! The revelation may seem startling, but the movie includes foreshadowing in earlier scenes. Notice Ryuta's vagueness when Kosuke asks about his work. He only describes it as "a late-night part-time job". Well, that's one way of phrasing his career… 

Ryuta's secret profession goes against the image of wholesomeness that Kosuke imagined about his boyfriend. In an earlier scene, Kosuke complained about Ryuta being too gentle during sex. Yet, the movie shows Ryuta screwing his clients rigorously. During one exchange, he lifts an older man by his legs before entering him. The visual is eerily similar to Ryuta & Kosuke's first sexual encounter. It's almost the same position, except Ryuta replaces Kosuke with another partner. Egoist highlights the discrepancy between reality and the fantasy that Kosuke created in his mind.

Ryuta makes a steady income as a sex worker, enough to support his household financially. However, his career is incompatible with dating. Maybe other escorts can separate their love life from their work, but not Ryuta. He feels tormented about sleeping with clients while developing feelings for Kosuke. Every generous gift bag reminds Ryuta he cheats on a loyal boyfriend who dotes on him. His guilt interferes with both worlds. Although Ryuta wants to be with Kosuke, he needs an income to survive. Ryuta decides to break up, sacrificing his love for money.

Purchase

"Let me buy you." Kosuke states one of the most memorable lines in the movie. He offers to be Ryuta's exclusive client, paying him a monthly stipend. The money isn't enough to cover all of Ryuta's living expenses. He'd still need to work part-time to make up the difference. However, this compromise allows him to quit escorting and enjoy a long-term relationship with his boyfriend. Contrary to Ryuta's belief, financial stability and a fulfilling love life can coexist. "Let's work hard together," Kosuke persuades him.

Buying someone is an ugly term with negative connotations. A more appropriate phrase would be providing financial support. The vocabulary is an important distinction due to the different intentions. Kosuke gives away his money, not expecting any service in return. He isn't a sugar daddy looking for sexual favours. The movie purposely stops showing sex scenes to convey that Ryuta no longer exchanges his body for money. Kosuke's so-called purchase is a charitable act in disguise. He provides financial aid to his struggling boyfriend and helps him make ends meet.

The couple's arrangement comes with a consequence. By accepting a monthly allowance, Ryuta is indebted to his benefactor. Kosuke gives up his hard-earned savings to support his lover unconditionally. "I'll repay this money," Ryuta tells him after receiving the first payment, even though Kosuke never insisted. Ryuta places implicit pressure on himself. Some people gladly receive free handouts, but not him. He feels obligated to work hard, earn an income, and reach financial independence. Ryuta's primary motivation is to stop becoming Kosuke's burden.

Workload

Ryuta finds new employment. For his day job, he transports heavy appliances in junkyards. The manual labour seems physically exhausting. During the night shift, he does kitchen chores at a restaurant. Although not as demanding, the second job takes away his time to rest and recuperate. The movie juxtaposes Ryuta's strenuous workload with Kosuke's leisurely fashion photoshoots. Although Kosuke says "let's work hard together", Ryuta's contributions require more effort.

Escorting wasn't glamorous, but this job paid well and seemed relaxing. Despite the stigma, Ryuta admitted he was happy doing the work for many years. Yet, he gave up the comfortable and lucrative profession to appease Kosuke. Likewise, Ryuta aspired to be a full-time personal trainer, but he stopped working at the gym to accommodate his schedule. He must put his ambitions on hold. Ryuta makes sacrifices to maintain the relationship with Kosuke. Otherwise, he'd still be an escort instead of his new career choices.

In some capacity, Ryuta's autonomy has diminished. Rather than making the best choices for himself, he considers Kosuke's feelings first. To clarify, Kosuke never orders his partner to obey. No one forces Ryuta to do anything against his will. However, there's a subliminal pressure that affects his decision-making process. Kosuke imposes an unwitting influence on Ryuta, who alters his entire lifestyle for his boyfriend. Not all the changes are necessarily positive. Kosuke's love is like an emotional workload, weighing heavily on Ryuta's heart.

Ownership

Kosuke's lavish gifts continue. In addition to the monthly allowances, he gives away a fancy jacket to his boyfriend. Ryuta declines the freebie as usual, but Kosuke easily convinces him. "Clothes are happy when people wear them," he insists. It seems more like Kosuke is happy when Ryuta wears his clothes. Kosuke never consults his partner on whether he wants these presents. He imposes his choices and expects Ryuta to accept them. Kosuke reminds me of buying accessories for a Barbie doll. Here's a new outfit I picked for you to wear!

Kosuke's next gift is a vehicle. Once again, there's the usual routine of Ryuta refusing the present before Kosuke persuades him to accept it. The car ownership marks another attempt to exert control over Ryuta. Kosuke has an invasive influence on many aspects of his boyfriend's life. You must drive my car, wear my clothes, and spend my money. The subliminal message is you belong to me. Kosuke almost treats Ryuta like a personal possession, echoing his past sentiment of "let me buy you". Ryuta loses his autonomy and becomes an extension of Kosuke.

I put a sinister spin on Kosuke's behaviour for dramatization. However, there are many positives to his generosity, which shouldn't go overlooked. Ryuta loves the jacket and feels grateful for the financial support, especially after his mom's hospitalization. Kosuke's gifts also don't come from a place of manipulation. He wants to take care of Ryuta and make his life better. Intrinsically, Kosuke's benevolence is selfless. Yet, there's a subtle self-gratification behind every present. Driven by his ego, Kosuke believes he can buy Ryuta's affection with material wealth.

Ego vs love

An egoist describes someone who puts their self-interest ahead of others. The movie's central intrigue is determining Kosuke's motivations. Does his generosity come from loving Ryuta, or is he more driven by making Ryuta love him? Let's use the car as an example. Does Ryuta really need a new vehicle? Or is this a lavish gift that Kosuke buys to feel better about himself, believing it would make Ryuta happy? Kosuke replaces purchasing designer labels with presents for his boyfriend as a means of self-gratification.

Egoist includes moments that highlight Kosuke's tenderness toward Ryuta. The hair-drying scene contains a simple conversation between the lovers. As Kosuke blow-dries his boyfriend's hair, he asks rhetorically, "Does it feel comfortable? It feels great to have someone help you, right?" Ryuta flashes a faint smile and agrees. This scene is a metaphor for their relationship dynamic. Kosuke enjoys caring for his partner and making his life cozy. By the same logic, spending money on gifts may also be a part of Kosuke's nurturing personality. That's his way of expressing love.

In their final exchange, Ryuta asks his boyfriend, "Do you like me?" Surprisingly, he seems unsure about the authenticity of Kosuke's feelings. His question echoes the ongoing theme of whether Kosuke is motivated by genuine love or self-interest. Egoist wants viewers to interpret Kosuke's incentives in this relationship. Maybe you're optimistic and believe Kosuke does everything out of selfless devotion. Stop doubting him! He only wants to support his partner! Or you may feel cynical and suspect Kosuke is self-centred. His love is rooted in an egocentric desire.

Guilt

Ryuta dies midway through the movie. He overexerts himself by working two part-time jobs and not getting enough rest. As a result, his body collapsed. One day, he doesn't wake up from his sleep. My opinion is that I hate this plot development. I'm not fond of the kill-your-gays trope, which is annoyingly prevalent in LGBTQ+ movies. Egoist could tell the story differently without killing off a beloved protagonist. Ryuta's sudden death marks my frustration with the movie, preventing me from embracing it.

Kosuke is devastated by Ryuta's passing. Most of all, he feels the burden of guilt. Kosuke blames himself for pushing Ryuta too hard and not providing enough support. Kosuke knew his partner faced stressful circumstances. Ryuta worked for many hours, agonized over his mom's health, and worried about his financial situation. Kosuke wonders if he could have helped Ryuta more beyond a monthly allowance. Also, Ryuta changed careers because of Kosuke. Like the butterfly effect, Kosuke altered his boyfriend's life trajectory, setting the chain of events that led to his death.

Another unfortunate consequence is that Ryuta leaves behind his ill mother. They had a close relationship. He worked so hard to provide financial stability for his mom. Yet, she's now alone, grieving over her dead son. This heartbreaking situation adds to Kosuke's guilt. However, Ryuta's mom comforts him at the funeral. She shares Ryuta's profound words before his death: "Kosuke saved me. He showed me the world is not just hell." This message provides a bittersweet solace to Kosuke. His love reached Ryuta, giving him hope and happiness amid many hardships.

Ryuta's mom

After his boyfriend's death, Kosuke spends time caring for Ryuta's mother. He visits Taeko frequently, buys household essentials, and helps with domestic chores. A part of his motivation comes from compassion. He wants to comfort this sick, lonely woman who recently lost her son. Another driving emotion comes from guilt. Kosuke blames himself for indirectly causing Ryuta's death. Supporting the bereaved mother is Kosuke's idea of penance, which Ryuta would have approved if he was still alive.

Taeko provides Kosuke with parental affection. Kosuke was close to his mom, but she died in his teens. In contrast, he has a cold relationship with his dad. I suspect Kosuke's closeted sexuality is the driving wedge between them. Kosuke lacks family warmth until he meets Ryuta's kind, empathetic mom. He feels at ease and can talk to her more openly than with his biological father. As they spend time together, Kosuke grows emotionally attached. He sleeps over, wears her child's clothes, and gives back massages. Kosuke sees Taeko as a surrogate parent and pours all his affection into her.

Taeko becomes Kosuke's substitute for his lover. When he gives Ryuta's monthly payments to her, it signifies she's the new beneficiary of Kosuke's love. Also, she allows Kosuke to dote on the missing mother figure in his life. He basks in her parental warmth. Soon, his attachment intensifies. He displays the same spending habits as before, using gifts and money to buy Taeko's affection. He also blurs boundaries and asks her to live together. What is his agenda? Does Kosuke genuinely want to care for her? Or is he treating her like a bandage for his emotional wounds?

What is love?

Fate is cruel. Taeko discovers she has untreatable cancer and will depart the world soon. While talking to Kosuke, she makes a pitiful plea. This dying senior doesn't want Kosuke to abandon her in the final moments of her life. Takeo implies that she wants Kosuke's affection. Please extend your love for Ryuta to me as well. Taeko makes an egotistical request, considering she has no legal or biological connection to Kosuke. Yet, she assigns an emotionally taxing obligation onto him. Love me, care for me, and stay with me until I die.

"I don't understand what love is," Kosuke responds in the context of Taeko's request. He doesn't know what it means to "love" Taeko and needs clarification. On a broader scale, his words allude to the movie's overarching theme. Kosuke has been confused about the meaning of love throughout the story. For a while, he expressed affection through gifts. Yet, the pursuit of material wealth pushed Ryuta to his death. Dropping money on the ground is a metaphor and a reminder of what broke him in the end. Kosuke is left questioning whether his idea of love placed a burden on his partner.

Taeko answers Kosuke's question about the definition of love. "As long as we feel you love us, that is enough." She gives one of the most philosophical quotes in the movie. There's no clear answer on how to love somebody. Love can be expressed through buying expensive gifts. Likewise, love can be blow-drying your partner's hair, changing careers to appease him, or staying with a bedridden patient until her death. Regardless of your method, the most important aspect is that the recipient feels your affection. Love comes from expression and understanding.

Sad ending

Egoist has a sad ending for Ryuta's mother, who is hospitalized and dying from terminal cancer. After her son's death, Taeko has no other family members to rely on. Kosuke agrees to be her caregiver, taking on an emotionally taxing obligation. His motivation is left ambiguous. Does he see her as a surrogate parent? Or is she a moral responsibility on behalf of his dead boyfriend? The movie makes us wonder whether he's driven by love, compassion, pity, or remorse.

Caring for a sick elder triggers Kosuke's past trauma. Since his mother died similarly, he revisits a painful experience. Also, Kosuke has grown attached to Ryuta's mom. After Ryuta's death, Kosuke transferred his affection to Taeko. Yet, he must cope with the impending loss of another loved one. It may be easier if Kosuke behaves selfishly and forgoes the responsibility for Taeko's well-being. He can choose to be an egoist, protect his mental health, and leave her to die alone. However, Kosuke loves Ryuta and Taeko too much. His devotion places an emotional burden on him.

The tragedy takes its toll on Kosuke, who breaks down in his mirror reflection. He only allows himself to cry for a few seconds. Kosuke knows he must put on a brave face before Taeko, who already suffers enough. His role is to support her, not to make her worry. Her needs come before his grief. Kosuke takes a deep breath and composes himself. Soon, a steely gaze replaces his tearful eyes. As Kosuke touches up his eyebrows, he wears cosmetic armour to disguise his pain. Moments later, Kosuke approaches Taeko's bedside and greets her confidently.

Taeko

Taeko doesn't explicitly tell Kosuke to look after her. However, she speaks pitifully and places an emotional burden on him. After announcing her diagnosis, she asks whether Kosuke loves her like he loves her son. The intent behind this question comes from a lonely woman who desires companionship. Abandonment has shaped Taeko's tragic life. Her cheating husband left for another woman. Her loyal son died unexpectedly. Taeko has no one left except Kosuke, and it scares her that she may lose him too.

On Kosuke's first hospital visit, Taeko clarified to the other patients that he was not her son. On subsequent visits, she proudly refers to him as her child. The new label indicates her growing fondness. In another chat, Taeko describes Kosuke's mother and Ryuta caring for each other in heaven. All of them will reunite like in-laws in the sky. It's another reference that Taeko considers him as part of her immortal family. Taeko makes this bold statement to emphasize her gratitude. She appreciates Kosuke for being her caregiver and wants him to know that he is loved.

The final scene shows Taeko attached to a ventilator. Her health has deteriorated. As the sun sets, Kosuke gets up to leave the hospital for the day. Taeko musters the strength to stop Kosuke and asks him to stay by her side. He smiles and obliges. The last shot focuses on Kosuke holding Taeko's hand tenderly. His gentle gesture is a poignant way of concluding the movie. As promised, Kosuke is there to provide emotional support. He gives her the comforting reassurance that she won't be alone. While she dies, Taeko feels his love emanating through their joined hands.

Kosuke

After Ryuta's death, Kosuke looks back on their relationship apologetically. He blames himself for imposing his will on Ryuta, who felt subliminal pressure to make money. Kosuke suspects his constant emphasis on material wealth burdened his boyfriend. Their power dynamics were lopsided. Kosuke always gave lavish gifts, while Ryuta only received free handouts. Kosuke's materialism made Ryuta feel he must work hard to repay his boyfriend's generosity.

Kosuke thought giving gifts was an effective way of expressing his love. He never asked Ryuta if he wanted these expensive presents. Material possessions brought him gratification, so he assumed they'd make his partner happy too. Ryuta appreciated his financial support. However, he didn't demand these freebies and always tried to decline. Kosuke's generosity fulfilled his self-worth more than it satisfied Ryuta's needs. The movie's title, Egoist, alludes to Kosuke's self-centredness in this relationship. His love for Ryuta is partially egocentric.

Kosuke redeems himself in the second half of the film. He puts aside his grief to help Taeko, who needs his support. Kosuke's kindness toward this dying woman proves his understanding of love has evolved. He focuses on her happiness rather than his self-gratification. Kosuke is capable of loving someone selflessly without personal gain. He is no longer an egoist. The last shot shows Taeko clasping his hand, indicating his affection has reached her. It's a reminder of the movie's poignant philosophy: "As long as we feel you love us, that is enough."