Plot: Fumiko and Ryota are old friends who cross paths again years later, after a strange occurrence with a red umbrella. They reconnect, and pretty soon they're engaged to get married. Ryota hasn't told Fumiko that he is able to see ghosts, and this ability starts to mess with his relationship almost immediately.
Watches
May 01, 2025
Not your average Japanese ghost story. The film isn't too reliant on less-is-more tension and elaborate scares. Instead, there's a feeling of unease that gradually grows, until things get pretty wacky during an impressive finale. It's one of the better horror endings I've seen in a while, elevating the entire film.
The performances are decent, the desaturated look is effective, but a little depressing. The setup is proper, and the pacing is fine, though there is a tiny lull in the middle of the film. Things pick up towards the end, and there are some memorable moments there. Not an ultimate classic, but a tasty treat for fans of Japanese horror cinema.