by Martin Unsworth

With films such as The Ring and The Grudge, a new subgenre emerged from Japan. It often involved everyday people encountering ghosts or curses from a malevolent past. We’re all used to the tropes and now we can understand the origins of what came before the films we know and their importance thanks to this engrossing documentary from Sarah Appleton (The Found Footage Phenomenon) and Jasper Sharp (Behind the Pink Curtain).

The pair have curated a fascinating array of talent to tell the story. Takako Fuji (The Grudge), Rie Ino’o (Sadako in Ringu), Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Pulse), and Takashi Shimizu (Ju-On: The Grudge) are able to give some valuable insight into how the movement touched on serious societal issues and became a worldwide success, prompting western remakes and a legion of fans. There are plenty of bespoke creepy visuals made for the documentary that could fit in any of the classic films with ease.

With plenty of commentary from the filmmakers and experts, The J-Horror Virus could be the final word on the films and their place in both Japanese society and the Western world.

The J-Horror Virus had its world premiere at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest on August 25th