Audition

Japan 1999, 115 minutes
Dir. Takashi Miike
Rating: [R18]
Genres: Horror, Cult / Controversy, Psycho, Splatter

Aroview: An almost-masterpiece of the macabre that sets up and sustains itself brilliantly with a restrained pace and jewel of a premise, then careens off in the third act into the shock territory and murky distortions more typical of ‘enfant terrible’ director, Miike.

A gracious, widowed TV executive yearns for the perfect partner and becomes encouraged to find her via a bogus ‘audition’, unknowing that the nubile woman of his fixation has set up a sinister ruse of her own. Strung along by his naive fantasy of perfect love, the intrigue, guilt and obsession compounds along with a sense of impending dread, though nothing quite prepares you for the nerve-shredding hell that eventually breaks loose.

Incredible Film Fest 2001

Member Reviews

Average rating (Exceptional). Showing 1-3 of 4 member reviews.

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5 stars (Exceptional) A psychological horror/suspense thriller that will have you physically squirming. Eihi Shiina is incredibly chilling: just wait until you hear her sweetly cooing "kiri kiri kiri..." ~Tom H
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5 stars (Exceptional) A wicked dissection of male romantic illusions. Deliberate pacing pays dividends as the story gradually enters feverish nightmare territory. Try to go in blind: love it or hate it, this one's unforgettable, worthy of a 'modern horror classic' rep. ~fairbrother
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4 stars (Very Good) ~Regando