Claire (Catherine Deneuve), a world-renowned chanson singer, falls into grief after losing her beloved pet dog. Believing in staying true to her profession during tough times, she travels to Tokyo for a concert. There, Yuzo (Sakai Masaaki), who has never met her in person but has been her ardent fan for a lifetime, is waiting. He was once a member of a popular band but now lives a lonely life with a terminal illness after his divorce. A few days before the long-awaited concert, he passes away while listening to Claire’s vinyl at home. His son (Takenouchi Yutaka) visits Yuzo’s house for the funeral and to sort out his belongings, then attends Claire’s concert in his father’s place. The concert concludes successfully amidst much acclaim. However, Claire also suddenly passes away. Contrary to her belief that nothing existed after death, she finds herself lingering in this world as a soul, which greatly bewilders her. Fortunately, she soon encounters Yuzo’s soul, and despite the lingual barrier, they naturally understand and comfort each other. Claire seeks answers that perhaps no one else has, and Yuzo willingly offers to be her guide. Director Eric Khoo has occasionally revealed the existence of souls lingering in this world since his debut film Mee Pok Man (1995). Spirit World explores the interaction between souls and paradoxically appeals to the driving force of life in a worldview where life and death are not separated. After the cinematic experience, like fireworks coming to an end, alcohol and music should fill the gaps in our hearts. (PARK Sungho)