Netflix has just rolled out its first venture into Japanese
horror with its original series Ju-On: Origins, a prequel to the
popular Ju-On film franchise created by Takashi Shimizu, which spawned numerous
horror flicks in Japan as well as some American entries. A very strong warning,
though: this series depicts utterly disturbing events, including but not
limited to sexual assault, domestic abuse and lots and lots of killing.
This Netflix Original adds to the Ju-On lore by adding
another cursed home with a grudge-filled history. The six-episode series opens
with upcoming actress Haruka Honjo (Yuina
Kuroshima) sharing her paranormal experience in a midnight TV show,
appearing alongside paranormal researcher Yasuo Odajima (Yoshiyoshi Arakawa), who takes a particular interest in Haruka’s
peculiar account. Odajima’s investigations uncover details about gruesome,
bloody incidents that happened in one particular suburban house, including the
start of high school girl Kiyomi Kawai’s (Ririka)
downward spiral.
 |
| Yasuo Odajima (Yoshiyoshi Arakawa) and Haruka Honjo (Yuina Kuroshima) |
A web of interconnected stories are presented in each
episode, jumping from sequence to sequence seemingly random at times – which
could frustrate some casual viewers. The stories come together neatly toward
the short series’ end, offering a satisfying conclusion to the harrowing set of
narratives. Be warned (again, as I could not warn you enough) that halfway
through the series, viewers who are sensitive to gore and disturbing imagery
WILL BE TRIGGERED. However, if you are a fan of the Ju-On films and Japanese
horror in general, you will have a great time with Ju-On: Origins, as it contains all of the source films’ lore
elements and a more-than-generous amount of blood splatters and body mutilation
along the way.
Another thing viewers should consider is that this series is
not your typical good-time scare-fest, with cheap thrills and jumpscares every
episode. In fact, there are almost none of those cheap scares with loud bangs
in this show, except for a very mild one that I can remember. Instead, Ju-On Origins takes its time to drill
creeps into your head, instilling each unnerving scenery in your mind – and
probably make them crawl their way into your dreams.
The acting, much like most of the Japanese horror I’ve seen,
are always subdued and controlled only until very few blood-curdling screams
are needed, which in my opinion adds to the genre’s overall uneasy, quietly-on-the-edge
tone. Yuina Kuroshima’s Haruka is
probably the one who shines the least among the main cast, with her understated
acting approach outshined by Youtuber Ririka’s
strong, nuanced performance of the deeply troubled Kiyomi.
 |
| Ririka as Kiyomi Kawai |
This series’ acting standout is Yoshiyoshi Arakawa as Yasuo Odajima, who maintains a steady and
consistent child-like wonder all throughout, perfectly encapsulating the
character’s obsessive interest on all things paranormal and his eventual search
for answers regarding his lost boyhood. Arakawa doesn’t have big moments in
this, but every scene he is in becomes much more mesmerizing and enjoyable.
Overall, Ju-On Origins hits all the spots for lovers of slow-burn, psychological horror, and the beautiful cinematography alone makes this a definite Netflix gem. But the lack of jumpscares and loud, banging noises most modern horror fans often expect may turn some viewers off.
RATING: 3.5/5 Bag
of Chips