Apple debuts last scene, a time-traveling love story shot entirely on iPhone 16 Pro
Apple launches Last Scene, a film shot entirely on iPhone 16 Pro. Directed by Cannes Palme d’Or winner Hirokazu Kore-eda, the 27-minute film sees the director of Shoplifters and Monster venture for the first time into a time-traveling tale – with a touch of comedy. The bittersweet love story revolves around the theme of “what will remain in the future, and what will disappear.”
In the film, Taiga Nakano stars as an up-and-coming TV screenwriter, with Momoko Fukuchi as his time-traveling granddaughter from 50 years in the future. Last Scene explores the dilemma of a man trying to prevent the extinction of TV dramas— but doing so may erase the existence of his granddaughter. Daisuke Kuroda and Lily Franky, two regulars in Kore-da’s films, also join the cast of this production, as the TV producer and the ferris wheel staff, respectively.
The innovative camera capabilities of iPhone 16 Pro elevate the storytelling throughout the film. Intimate moments between characters come alive through Cinematic mode, creating a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and keeping subjects in focus. Action Mode delivers stable video footage during dynamic scenes, like when characters race to catch a Ferris wheel ride. The film’s emotional moments are heightened by stunning 4K 120 fps slow motion in Dolby Vision to create a powerful, lasting impression, while the 5x Telephoto camera captured crystal-clear facial expressions even from a distance.
With cinematography and photography helmed by award-winning director of photography Mikiya Takimoto, Last Scene is a captivating demo of how iPhone 16 Pro can turn everyday moments into something truly cinematic. A masterclass in unvarnished, natural storytelling that is heartfelt and engaging until the last frame.
Kore-eda said: “I wanted this film to be natural and unvarnished, and used iPhone 16 Pro to honestly capture the fleeting moments of everyday life, and the precious things we take for granted. I envisioned the visuals of our characters’ journey from the diner, to Kamakura, to the Ferris wheel as gentle, and brimming with warm humanity.”
Shot primarily in Kamakura, the famous beachside town near Tokyo, Last Scene premiers on Apple’s YouTube channel, apple.com/jp, and the Apple TV app in Japan on May 9 at 11am (JST) / May 8, 2025 7pm (US PST).
Credits
Agency: TBWA\Media Arts Lab, Tokyo
Production Company: AOI Pro.
Director, Screenwriter and Editor: Hirokazu Kore-eda
Producer: Megumi Banse
Director of Photography: Mikiya Takimoto
Finishing: IMAGICA
Theme Song: Vaundy
Original Music: Ohashi Trio
Media Agency: OMD Hakuhodo
