Reviewing Bakemono, that premiered at Another Hole in the Head Film Festival in San Francisco, has been a wild ride. This movie is dark, not how you usually see Tokyo represented, and there are so many images and topics taken from actual events and behaviours that you might recognise. A real weaving of stories in a story that, like Pulp Fiction and Memento, is not linear in its telling.
**There may be spoilers ahead**
Starring Takashi Irie (Planet of Amoebas, Lupin III: Farewell to Nostradamus) as Mitsuo. Yukina Takase (Annie) as Tomoko. Yurika Natsume as Reina. Miki Nomura (Peripheral) as Risa. Laila Chiba as Nozomi. And Setsuka Akiyama as Lily.
Written and directed by Doug Roos, a name you may recognise from Behind You and The Sky Has Fallen.
A multitude of guests visit the same cheap Tokyo Airbnb at different times, unaware of the gruesome creature waiting for them.
–Bakemono, IMDb–
Bakemono Review Conclusion
WOW!: Goddamnit, this thing made me jump -poor cat nearly got launched into outer space! Somewhat of a gore fest. This monster is all about the threads of expectation that weave their way into your subconscious and drag you down. There are scenes that make you want to look away and others that make you look harder. The non-linear storytelling style makes it more difficult to follow, but it’s worth sticking with because, as the pieces fall into place, it all makes sense. And somehow gets creepier and messier and more violent. And I did so love that ending!
Unfortunately, there are no release dates yet, but I will update as soon as I have them. If you’re at the festivals, keep an eye out for this one!
Horror and Fantasy Author – Also writing as K.T. McQueen. Love Western Horror, cowboy boots, my cactus Collin, & my Demon Cat.
Moths – I hate moths, the way they flutter at your face!
