Ju-on/Grudge is one of the most popular horror brands from Japan, there have been countless movies produced in Japan, and in America about this curse that eventually caused the brand to lose some steam. The last movies weren't as successful and well-received as the first ones but that is what always happens when a particular idea gets overmilked.
Ju-on Origins is something different, first, this is not a movie but rather a mini-series and it tells the story of the origins of the curse as well as the first people who were affected by it. If a viewer isn't familiar with the Ju-on/Grudge movies, it wouldn't matter because the series works as standalone entertainment as well.
We will see different groups of people get in contact with the house in different years and slowly discover how they all get cursed by the strong paranormal presence that haunts this place.
There are a few horror scenes but they felt like too little to me. Besides, the episodes only last 30 minutes and there are only 6 of them so this is really a MINI series that gets finished very fast.
I was honestly expecting much more intensive horror, Netflix has already produced an excellent horror series called The Haunting of Hill House, which gave me one of the best horror experiences of recent years, especially in the first few episodes. So I had very high expectations with this new iteration of Japanese horror from the Ju-on universe. But this mini-series more than horror is actually suspense. There are a few scenes with ugly beings but the entire series didn't feel that much intense. It was like a watered-down of what could have been good and proper horror.
If you enjoy horror, especially Japanese horror and the Ju-on/Grudge universe, you should really check this series out. It will be entertaining but it won't leave you all surprised. It was an OK horror show, far from being a masterpiece but fun enough to be recommended.
The best
- It explains the origins of the most popular curse from Japanese horror.
- It does have good moments.
The worst
- I was expecting more hardcore horror.
- The story takes place in several years, but it is not always clear in indicating what year is currently on the screen.
More information: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12313914/ Review: AAA In numbers: 7/10