A Slow Burns Into Darkness

Read Time:4 Minute, 31 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Tomie [Limited Edition]
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 1998, 2024 Arrow Video Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Ataru Oikawa
Writer(s): Junji Ito, Ataru Oikawa
Cast: Miho Kanno, Mami Nakamura, Yoriko Doguchi, Tomorowo Taguchi, Kōta Kusano, Kenji Mizuhashi, Rumi, Junji Ito, Ikko Suzuki, Kae Minami
Language: Japanese with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available November 19, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Ataru Oikawa's TOMIE explored the Japanese horror scene by examining the depths of psychological horror and supernatural mystery. It weaves through the tangled psyche of Tsukiko, a photography student struggling to piece together her fragmented past with the assistance of Dr. Hosono, a psychiatrist skilled in hypnosis. As Tsukiko uncovers layers of her memory, she repeatedly encounters the chilling mention of Tomie, an entity whose influence seems to transcend time, setting TOMIE apart from its genre counterparts with its blend of psychological thriller and eerie horror.

At the heart of TOMIE lies the enigmatic Tomie Kawakami, who, unlike the typical spectral entities of J-horror, does not seek vengeance but exists in a perpetual state of resurrection. Each brutal ending she faces at the hands of obsessed lovers only leads to her rebirth, pushing the boundaries of immortality within the horror framework. This cycle of death and rebirth drives the film into a narrative where the lines between attraction and terror blur, drawing the viewer into a whirlpool of dark fascination.

Despite its innovative concept, the film's slow burn may challenge those who prefer a more rapid-fire horror style. The plot simmers, focusing on the introspective exploration of Tsukiko's troubled psyche and her interactions, which hint at lurking horrors. While aiming to create an immersive atmosphere, this methodical build-up occasionally struggles to maintain consistent tension across the film.

Miho Kanno shines as Tomie, oscillating between bewitching charm and haunting menace in a performance that captures her character's dual nature. However, the film does not delve deeply enough into the origins of Tomie's curse or her relentless existence, leaving a sense of mystery that, while intriguing, also frustrates viewers craving a fuller understanding of her backstory.

Adapting Junji Itō’s manga into film, TOMIE faces the daunting task of translating Itō's starkly terrifying visuals into moving images. The film battles against its budget constraints, dampening its ability to realize the horrifying scenes fully. This causes much of the intended terror to remain imprisoned within the confines of the audience's imagination rather than on the screen.

TOMIE opts for a reflective approach over straightforward scares, aiming to unsettle through psychological rather than shock tactics. The subplot involving Detective Harada's investigation into the mysterious occurrences linked to the name Tomie adds a layer of intrigue. Still, it tends to drift away from the central storyline, reducing its potential impact.

Despite these narrative gaps, the film’s soundtrack excellently underscores and also horribly annoys, at times, TOMIE's eerie tone, enhancing the chilling environment that the visual elements strive to create. However, without a solid narrative thrust, the atmospheric sound design alone cannot anchor the unfolding drama, leaving a lingering sense of what could have been as the film approaches its climax.

TOMIE is an ambitious film that attempts to intertwine psychological intrigue with the hallmarks of J-horror, introducing a memorable antagonist and exploring themes of unending doom. While it carves a unique niche within the genre, it still needed to grow its potential to redefine it. Nonetheless, TOMIE presents a journey worth taking for those intrigued by the darker, more introspective corridors of horror, offering a unique glimpse into the eternal and the eerie.

Bonus Materials
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
Original lossless 5.1 and 2.0 stereo audio
Optional English subtitles
Brand new audio commentary by critic and Japanese cinema expert Amber T.
It’s a Girl’s World, brand new interview with director Ataru Oikawa
Scream Queen, brand new interview with actress Mami Nakamura
From Manga to Screen, a brand new interview with producer Mikihiko Hirata
Trailer
Image Gallery
Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Zack Davisson and Eugene Thacker
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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