O Culto

From very early on the picture will sometimes pause so the camera can zoom in, showing us something subtle in the background that's supposed to be spooky. Only, it's often so subtle that at best we won't see it until it's heavily emphasized, and at worst, there's nothing to be seen at all. Oops! Elsewhere, when events are progressing normally, the tone is so flat, and the incidence of an actor's movement or a "supernatural" happening so forthright, that the artificiality of it all is laid bare in the moment - or perhaps one may be inclined to wonder if this wasn't actually intended to be a parody all along. Further feeding into the latter point, some examples accompanied by a "gasp!" (or, you know, intended to be) are just information imparted through dialogue with a similarly flat tone; some plot development curiously operates in the same manner. Moreover, where visuals are added in post-production in what is ostensibly a "found footage" flick, the usage is often so gauchely, obviously false that one has to ponder how this could have been released while looking so bad.

I've watched a few of Shiraishi Koji's films. I thought 'Noroi,' his major film debut, was possibly one of the best horror films I've ever seen; on the opposite end of the spectrum, 'Teketeke 2' was just rubbish, and I fully turned off 'Groteseque' after just a few minutes (something I never, ever do except under highly atypical circumstances). I sat to watch 2013's 'Cult' with mixed expectations, and boy howdy, it is not good. Good grief, the character "Neo" is basically just an unrealistic, caricatured manga character conceived as a "real person," and for as dubious as the picture was from the outset, the writing really seems to go downhill when they enter the story about halfway through. Some beats are altogether senseless, as they rely on the total incompetence of supposed professionals: key locations in-universe are shown to be set up with cameras, but over the course of many days no one is apparently checking footage. I feel bad for the cast, because they very pointedly do not come off well. I feel bad for the effects artists, who presumably had the skill to do better, but were seemingly denied the opportunity to do better with the computer-generated imagery that presents; as it is, the phrase "they didn't even try" might best describe the CGI.

There are good ideas here, sure, in (most of) the narrative and scene writing. Maybe not so much in the characterizations, least of all in the initial conceit of actresses hired to join a "paranormal investigation" program, and it's unfortunate that the whole is so meager and flimsy, including a terribly clunky back end where plot is dispensed like rocks forced through a paper straw. I like the thoughts that went into Haishima Kuniaki's score, though the music itself is underwhelming and questionably mixed. I like the notions underlying the CGI, but I'm inclined to think that even had the digital rendering been given a chance to be ideally realized, the same notions could have been better visualized with practical effects and camera tricks. Earnest intent went into these eighty-four minutes - but not, regrettably, earnest care. What potential the feature had is never given a real chance to flourish, and all things considered, there was never much potential to begin with. I don't know what happened to Shirashi after crafting the incredible 'Noroi' eight years before, but this stumbles significantly in entirely too many ways, and pretty much right from the start.

It's still true that there are far worse movies in the world. 'Cult' is so limp and unconvincing, however, that for the level on which it operates, the distinction is all but meaningless. I guess I'm glad for those who get more out of this than I do, but I can't imagine ever giving it as a recommendation. Alas.

Three young actresses are hired to help a documentarian film an exorcism at the house of a young girl and her mother. Cameras are set up everywhere as the supernatural events start to unfold.

Numerous exorcists are brought in to help but the problem only seems to get worse as everyone is drawn into a nightmare of demons and curses.

This Japanese found footage entry is a refreshing take on the sub-genre as some original elements are introduced that take a different direction from the Paranormal Activity franchise. There is a bit of humour injected into some of the characters which makes the experience a bit more enjoyable.

Some of the effects are a bit hokey but others are original and creepy and atmospheric. There are enough twists and turns to keep the viewer's attention as the tension escalates.

The three girls get a little annoying at times but do a passable job in their roles and some of the secondary characters really stand out.

All in all an interesting and refreshing Cult movie from Japan.

I really love good J-horror movies. It gives a claustrophobic sense, like where ever you go whatever you do you surely can't escape. The world is so big but becomes so small at the same time. I love that they don't depend so much in special effects. But this is not the case.

It is not a bad movie. It just leaves you indifferent. There are three actresses who take part in a reality – documentary exorcism. So there are cameras all around the house and you are seeing things as they really happen. I am getting really tired of the reality – "real" story type of movie!

In overall as I said the movie isn't bad. It is perhaps one of the best of its kind. You will have fun watching it, it is really entertaining!

To be frank, the movie was a lot of fun and I quite enjoyed it. However several aspects were so terrible that it warranted a review on my part.

The three actresses were extremely annoying and their behaviour was childish to say the least. They were squealing and shrieking like 5 year old girls at the smallest excuse. Nobody screams that much and their acting was lousy.

What also struck me as unrealistic was the fact that the company was forcing them to risk their lives and go into a haunted house, even when they were extremely uncomfortable with the idea. And the actresses themselves were totally cool with it. I don't know if this is common in Japan or an incongruity in the script. But in a free world, forcing a trio of young women into extreme danger against their will is a criminal offense. However this fact was glossed over.

Even when one of the women wanted to quit, the other two were behaving as if they couldn't believe that somebody can just refuse to be part of such a dangerous business. They kept repeating "It's your job, you have to do it, you can't just quit". And later her boss scolds her for stepping out.

The black tendrils were very laughable, flat and unrealistic. They screamed fake, computer graphics. That and the incessant screaming ruined the illusion of the movie for me. The director could have easily used some practical effects and it would have been much more realistic.

Now the good part. The acting of the exorcist and his master was excellent. The Neo character too was fairly good. The small possessed girl was sufficiently creepy. The plot and pacing kept me engaged and entertained. I didn't care for the ending as it was a bit abrupt and left the viewer hanging.

Overall, worth a one-time watch.

1. This film has no Gore. If you are into that skip it.

2. I enjoy the understated nature of this film. Some argue that is a weak argument for poor writing. I disagree.

3. I have seen so many horror films it is difficult to scare me. I watch these films to see the story unfold. So I can't speak to how scary it is.

4. I enjoyed the interaction between the actors especially the guy who shows up mid movie. His indifferent behavior and rudeness kind of reminded me of a manga character. In a good way.

5. I thought the way the spirit was portrayed was both bizarre and strange and seemed realistic to me. If you actually met an evil spirit I mean really met one it could look like that. You don't know.

6. I disliked the strange faces in the beginning they looked like stock image.

7. I disliked that they never really explain Ed why the girls were taking on such a strange job. Maybe i missed it. Or maybe they were just broke needed the money and didn't ask.

8. It left a number of unanswered questions at the end. I wasn't sure if that was a deliberate cliff hanger and there is to be a sequel or not but I wanted a more solid end. But based on my theories about the male character it could make sense.

All in all I think you should watch it if you like found footage style films, don't need blood in your horror, and aren't annoyed with not full closure endings. I can't compare it to Noroi because that is a different movie on a different level. I also think his films get lower reviews because everyone compares it to Noroi and you shouldn't do that I mean that's like comparing two different kids.