Audition

About This Movie

Audition is quite a ride, blending horror and drama in that signature Takashi Miike style. The pacing lulls you into a false sense of security, with a slow build that’s almost meditative before it takes a dark turn. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and Asami, played by Eihi Shiina, is deeply unsettling yet captivating. Miike’s use of practical effects is striking, especially in the final act, steering clear of CGI and opting for raw, raw imagery. Themes of grief and manipulation run through it all, making it a study of human nature twisted into something grotesque. Definitely leaves a mark, and not in the conventional ways one might expect.

Filmed in 1999, released in 2000 in Japan.Runtime: 115 minutes, original language Japanese.Miike's unique blend of genres creates an unsettling experience.Excellent use of practical effects for horror elements.