Secluded settings and mysteries that have lain dormant for ages frequently serve as the ideal backdrop for horror films to weave chilling, unforgettable narratives. Frequently, these plots are richly textured with deeper significance, be it subtle symbolism or explicit storytelling. In the case of “Best Wishes to All“, it delves into this depth but does so in a manner that is both gripping and unsettling. The premise for the 2025 horror movie may seem ordinary at first: a girl and her parents are vacationing with her grandparents in rural Japan. However, one fateful night, she stumbles upon something truly terrifying concealed within a room at the end of their hallway.
The film moves forward in time, showing that the girl has grown up to be a nursing student. After a long absence, she revisits her grandparents. As she grows older, she starts noticing strange things about them. As the story unfolds, writer-director Yûta Shimotsu gradually discloses more details about their situation, gradually unveiling a chilling truth. In essence, this movie isn’t only meant to scare us in a remote location. Its core intention is to explore the extremes people may reach in their pursuit of happiness.
Best Wishes To All Offers A Disturbing Display Of Its Core Premise
The Movie Doesn’t Hold Back On Its Dour Tale
The enigmatic essence of “Best Wishes to All ” becomes evident from its very beginning. Unlike typical Japanese horror movies, this one doesn’t shy away from incorporating peculiar elements linked to its broader enigma. What sets it apart is its unique portrayal, as events unfold without any background music or conventional depiction of terrifying scenes. Instead, other films might use scratchy violins and escalating musical chords, “Best Wishes to All” chooses to present the frightening aspects in surprisingly ordinary ways, particularly during the initial stages when the film’s mystery is still developing.
As it unfolds, the production becomes increasingly daring in its unsettling qualities. However, Kotone Furukawa delivers an exceptional performance that brilliantly embodies the chilling enigma surrounding her grandparents’ involvement. She mirrors our confusion with her reactions, creating a sense of disquiet that echoes the unease stirred by the movie’s ominous secrets. Despite some significant revelations shedding light on its actual plot, the fear of not fully grasping what transpires lingers throughout the film.
The film consistently underscores its frightening aspects by portraying the protagonist’s family in a way that highlights their isolation. From the outset, it’s clear that their hidden truths are the central thread of terror woven into the narrative. Although it shares some common ground with films like Hereditary and The Babadook, especially in its initial setup, the movie skillfully constructs a distinctly chilling story of its own. Its style and character development underscore the fundamental theme that true happiness is scarce, suggesting a grim reality where there’s very little joy to go around.
Best Wishes To All Prioritizes Its Symbolic Ideas Over Realism
This Works For The Movie, With One Small Annoyance
Although “Best Wishes to All” begins with a solid foundation, its chilling revelations lead the movie into a whirlpool of symbolic storytelling decisions. Yet, this method proves effective as it transcends the family setting and delves into rural Japan, where the plot unfolds. The audience experiences these unsettling twists through Furukawa’s character, who struggles to comprehend what she uncovers, gradually revealing unsettling truths about people she believed she knew intimately. The film’s stationary portrayal and authentic character interactions intensify these disturbing developments.
Although the movie excels in its storytelling and presentation overall, it unfortunately loses some steam during the second half. This is due to the narrative becoming somewhat repetitive, introducing increasingly unsettling aspects, but not always in a cohesive or smooth manner. The film seems to get stuck in a loop, especially when it repeatedly provides additional context for its horror elements. Fortunately, this part of the movie only lasts for a considerable stretch, which unfortunately gives the movie a repetitive feel at times.
The cinematography in this film continues to enhance and highlight the striking rural landscapes of Japan, creating a unique blend of openness and claustrophobia. The protagonist is seemingly confined within vast fields and farmland, yet these settings, skillfully captured by the camera, serve as a backdrop to the hidden horrors lurking beneath. This contrast adds depth to the film, with both the character’s intrigue and the breathtaking visuals working together to amplify the sense of dread even during seemingly repetitive scenes.
Displaying an unsettling horror narrative underscoring the price of bliss, Best Wishes to All delivers a chilling, convoluted plot that persistently unveils terrifying disclosures. Owing to its secluded environment, resilient lead character, and an abundance of gruesome concepts, the film stands out as a striking Japanese horror production that maintains its distinctive promise. Although certain sections seemed repetitive, the movie effectively demonstrated itself as a robust addition to 2025’s impressive lineup of horror films.
Best Wishes to All arrives Friday, June 13 on Shudder.
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2025-06-11 00:57