An unexpected but enjoyable experience.
A unique and distinct story is told by this film. When I started it, I was not aware it would be horror, but these aspects were handled well. If you’re looking for an unguessable but well told story with horror, mystery, and supernatural elements, this may be a good watch for you.The visual effects were impressively well done, and the sound design very atmospheric and immersive (pun not intended) to complement the well constructed visuals. Overall I’d say the film was very well thought out and as an experience I’d rate it highly. The shots and transitions were also crafted well to fit the pacing and changes that needed to be matched.
Personally, I wouldn’t say I was highly invested in the film character wise, if you’re looking for a character driven experience, probably not the film for you.
What I enjoyed:
- The unique premise involving a VR world modelled to be identical to the real world
- The immersive visual and sound design
- The incorporation of some cultural elements that intertwine with the supernatural elements
- The overall unreadable mystery
What I didn’t enjoy:
- No real feeling of connection or investment with any of the characters
- It wasn’t really a film I would have picked out; I was a captive audience and it was what was available to me
If you’re looking to watch it, good luck to you! I don’t know when it will be widely available and only watched as I had a very long flight with nothing else to be doing.
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This review may contain spoilers
Interesting movie but something is unexplained
I had zero expectations before I watch the movie so I enjoyed it up until the last bit scene before the ending and the ending.The movie perfectly captures the horror theme associating with an urban legend that haunts the island. I got really hooked while watching as the movie had a clear, smooth, logical flow of the story, had a normal pace and scares you time to time. Though I wish they would show more about the main character (Tomohiko) as it feels like there's something the audience didn't know much about him.
In the ending however, it's quite confusing and I understand the director wanted to make an open ending for the audiences to think or wanted to make a part 2 of the movie but in this types of films, I really expected a straightforward ending that satisfies the audience (but maybe that's just me idk) it feels like all the efforts that Tomohiko did is useless considering how the movie ends. The little bit of romance at the ending is rather shocking as I thought Tomohiko and Tamaki would just remain friends and no other feelings involved are present.
Also, Shigeru destroying the computers to save Imajo + killing hilmself after just didn't make sense. I understand the suicide part as everyone hates him except Rin but he didn't need to care about the VR research team.
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