Bakemono

About This Movie

Bakemono crafts an unsettling atmosphere that lingers, tapping deeply into the rich traditions of Japanese culture and the supernatural. The story unfolds around Setsubun, where the act of throwing soybeans is meant to ward off evil spirits. But this film flips that expectation; a young girl, feeling suffocated by her traditional parents, decides to take matters into her own hands. The pacing is deliberate, allowing tension to build organically, and the practical effects are impressively eerie, enhancing the unsettling tone. Performances are raw, especially from the lead, who embodies a mixture of innocence and rebellion. It's this clash of tradition versus individual desire that really sets it apart from other horror flicks, giving viewers something to ponder long after the credits roll.

Deep exploration of Japanese cultural ritualsInteresting subversion of horror tropesStrong practical effects that enhance the narrative