The Curse (2025) Film Review – I Put a Spell on You [Fantastic Fest 2025]

Posted on by Jim Cox

The Curse is a 2025 Japanese/Taiwanese supernatural horror film written and directed by Japanese filmmaker Kenichi Ugana. A prolific up-and-coming horror director, Kenichi has written and directed a slew of films in recent years, such as the blood-soaked demon horror Visitors: Complete Edition (2023), the tentacle horror Extraneous Matter: Complete Edition (2021), and the upcoming I Fell in Love with a Z-Grade Director (2025).

After seeing her friend’s disturbing social media posts, Riko tries to intervene to help her but fails to prevent her from dying a mysterious, violent death. Convinced there is more to the story than a suicide, Riko dives into a world of memes, influencers, and posting for attention. As the pile of bodies grows, and Riko faces her own possible curse, she and her friends travel to Taiwan to find the source of this demonic social media killer.

An homage to classic J-Horror, The Curse certainly takes influence from some of the greats of the genre. Emulating elements from such classics as Nakata’s Ringu (1998), Shutter (2004), and even The Exorcist (1973), the film pays due diligence to some of the greats of the genre from around the world. Additionally, the film reflects society’s growing disdain for social media influencers through its exploration of technology and its seamless blending of elements of traditional Taiwanese black magic and the occult.

Although obsession is a common theme in J-Horror, prevalent in films such as Miike’s Audition (1999) and the film adaptation of Ito’s Uzumaki (2000), the exploration of a more modern form of manic infatuation through the dangers of algorithmic social media revitalises the format for a contemporary setting. Furthermore, The Curse employs a deliberately measured building of tension synonymous with the genre, choosing to focus on character and narrative development in its first act. This gradually escalating anxiety is undeniably strengthened, allowing the audience to form a connection with the cast.

Featuring a remarkable level of cinematography, The Curse presents an astute visual design throughout. Effectuating dynamic angles, such as a potent transition from a standard to a Dutch angle to deliver a similar disorientation to the character, and a haunting locked-off shot towards the film’s finale, the expressive visuals are sleek and effective throughout.

Implementing some fantastic examples of practical special effects, The Curse holds nothing back in its gruesome depiction of violence. Beginning with impressive body prosthetics, the film delivers incredibly visceral moments, exemplified by effects that are brutally shown to the audience without any cutaways. Yet, the film also understands the importance of restraint in its use, expertly applying these scenes intermittently to maximize their impact. While most effects are practical, there are a few instances where CGI has been added in post-production to enhance these practical effects or to create elements that are difficult to achieve practically. Although their use is noticeable, the results significantly boost the physical impact.

Paired with an imposing industrial noise soundtrack, the score effectively builds and sustains tension throughout. Its strategic use undoubtedly heightens the overall sense of dread present in every scene.

Methodical and deliberate in every aspect, The Curse operates well within the framework of J-Horror to produce a remarkable example of the genre. With its slowly mounting tension, gruesome special effects, and outstanding performances from the cast, Kenichi leverages all these elements to craft an engaging narrative full of dread that resonates on every level.

We watched The Curse (2025) at this year’s Fantastic Fest 2025

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