Much as Naomi Kawase’s detractors like to dismiss her as a peddler of hokey New Age mysticism, the director’s recent work has shown a sincere interest in real-world issues, from Hansen’s disease (“Sweet Bean”) to adoption (“True Mothers”). That’s also true of her latest drama, “Yakushima’s Illusion,” which mingles wide-eyed spiritual musings with a detailed depiction of life in a hospital transplant ward.

Like “Vision” (2018), this international co-production recruits a French-speaking actress for a meditation on love, renewal and how death isn’t necessarily final. But while the former was a film so dopey even Juliette Binoche couldn’t save it, “Yakushima’s Illusion” is made of sturdier stuff.

The opening sequence features what’s practically a jump scare, as images of untamed nature and erotic intimacy cut suddenly to a video of heart surgery. It’s a jarring transition that’s also indicative of the film’s tricky blend of elements — one which, despite some memorable moments, never quite coheres.

Adblock test (Why?)