Seven years after the death of his wife, widower Shigeharu seeks advice on how to find a new wife from a colleague. Taking advantage of their position as a film company, they stage an audition. Interviewing a series of women, Shigeharu is enchanted by the quiet Asami. But soon things take a twisted turn as Asami isn’t what she seems to be.
A lonely widower, encouraged by his son, holds a mock audition to find a new wife, using his film producer connections. He becomes captivated by a seemingly meek and mysterious young woman named Asami. As their relationship deepens, unsettling truths about Asami's past begin to surface, leading to a terrifying and increasingly graphic descent into madness and torture.
Audition is widely regarded as a masterpiece of psychological horror, praised for its unsettling atmosphere, masterful pacing, and shocking climax. While initially appearing to be a somber drama, it subverts expectations with extreme violence and disturbing themes. It garnered significant international acclaim and is considered one of the most influential J-horror films.
Google audience: Audiences often praise the film's unique approach to horror, its gradual build-up of tension, and the sheer shock value of its final act. Some viewers found the initial pacing too slow, but most agree that the payoff is exceptionally disturbing and memorable.
Nominated for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. Won awards at various genre film festivals, including Best Film at the Sitges Film Festival.
Eihi Shiina, who plays Asami, reportedly had to endure a grueling filming process for the infamous torture scene, including real-life pain and discomfort during certain takes to enhance the realism of her performance.
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