In the midst of the Second World War, a young boy named Mahito finds himself grappling with the profound loss of his mother. Relocated from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the tranquil countryside, he is now under the care of his new stepmother, Natsuko, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the mother he lost. As Mahito struggles to adapt to this unfamiliar life, the landscape around him becomes increasingly surreal. His journey takes a captivating turn with the arrival of a mysterious gray heron, a creature that seems both perplexing and enchanting. This enigmatic bird calls Mahito the "long-awaited one," prompting him to question his destiny and the depths of his sorrow. As he navigates the complexities of grief and acceptance, Mahito embarks on a poignant adventure that intertwines his past with the magical elements of his new reality. "The Boy and the Heron" is a visually stunning tale of healing, discovery, and the unbreakable bonds of love that transcend even the darkest times.