Onibaba (1964)

Onibaba

• This was the first film that Willem Dafoe picked while he was in the Criterion Closet, so I immediately added it to my list to buy, which I did several months ago, and finally got around to watching it. It was a fantastic “recommendation” from Mr. Dafoe, and he knows ball. I’m always a fan of a good foreign film, especially when it’s horror. It certainly didn’t disappoint at all. It’s definitely a slow burn horror, so you gotta be able to sit still and pay attention to the environment, and then once it hits the third act, you’re completely locked in. I absolutely love the focus on the one location (over a wide spread of land), so you feel isolated and by yourself. Then, you jump into the sensual journey of lust and jealousy, which helps drive the story in a very strong way, but not in a way that overdoes it. Finally, it’s a full blown horror film with great makeup and creepy images, that definitely would’ve scared the crap out of me in 1964. Of course now, it’s nothing scary, but I did feel very unsettled, especially in the last 10ish minutes. One of my favorite endings of any film, ever. Here’s how I would summarize it: the first act is a war drama, then the second act is an erotic thriller, and the third act is body/religious horror, and for every single second, there is an overwhelming sense of psychological dread. It’s so beautifully crafted in every sense, making it one of the best foreign horror films I’ve ever seen. Maybe even ever made. The performances are all great, and though a bit exaggerated at times, they really settle in as great towards the end. Visually, it's very basic but very stunning, with great focus on nature and land, which helps build a spooky atmosphere. The score/sound was sharp and powerful, and the makeup in the third act really pushes the horror aspect. Overall, it’s one of the better horror films I’ve seen recently, and I want everyone to see it at some point in their life. It’s uncomfortable, unsettling, and just all around fantastic. Thank you Willem! This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!