Filtauras

As much as I wanted to like this, especially considering its invaluable, multi-layered allegories on morality and class struggle, I found its execution subpar. Too many poor decisions are made, not enough detail is provided on "the tethered," raw action dominates much of its runtime, and comedy doesn't mix well with horror for me. That said, the initial Red reveal delivered uncanny horror very well, and its underlying metaphors' subtlety almost seem steganographical--requiring a rewatch and perhaps even additional research for clarity.

Whereas Ringu (1998) sublimely unveiled a unique tale on a murderous tape, this aimless sequel unnecessarily drags out the crux with seemingly no intent in mind. Hardly anything happens throughout the movie, and the lore is barely enriched. Instead of showing additional cases involving the curse, or perhaps significantly building upon the backstory, it instead hyperfixates on the curse's tertiary effect on certain bystanders. Apparently, apart from the direct, week-long death deadline, there also exists an indirect telekinesis ability some are saddled with. Unsurprisingly, this was by no means as interesting as the cutthroat nature of its direct counterpart. At some point, I began suspecting we may be shown a repitition of Ringu's events--with Yoichi and his mother's social ostracism turning them into another version of Shizuko and Sadako, leading to a new tape--but the cycle was interrupted. That could have been an imaginative turn, one superior to the banal ending we were derailed into. Overall, this was a colossal disappointment.

Set in a dreary, slow-burn atmosphere dominated by uncanny analog horror. Aside from the plot's originality, I was most captivated by its trenchanly biting score accompanying the few "jump scares" --assuming they can be categorized as such. I also liked the protagonists' investigative efforts as they traversed the unknown in pursuit of salvation. Another considerable point is the preservation of mystery, the effect of which remained steadfast through to the ending; the source of the tape, along with Sadako's details and abilities, remain obscure. Overall, this is a staggeringly impressive feat for its time and--as is routinely brought up--ends with a brutal, unforeseen plot twist.

Has a few good horror scenes that, unfortunately, get clouded by the overarching question of why she doesn't simply leave the place. Furthermore, I deem this yet another example of the classic horror error of humanizing the scares too much; the element of mystery dramatically subsides upon the visions being connected to an ordinary kidnapping case--as opposed to a more enigmatic, inexplicable ritualistic backstory. Overall, the initial groundwork was promising, but the latter portions got repetitive.