Ito

A skilled artisan specializing in crafting Buddhist statues is drawn into a dark and mysterious investigation involving unsettling disappearances and a series of gruesome murders. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a sinister connection to his own past and the chilling nature of humanity.

Takashi Miike's 'Ito' is a visually striking and thematically dense film that blends elements of supernatural horror with a deep dive into human despair and guilt. While its deliberate pacing and ambiguous narrative may divide audiences, critics generally acknowledged its artistic ambition and the director's signature dark vision.

• Praised for its atmospheric dread and striking visual style.

• Noted for its complex, sometimes inscrutable, narrative structure.

• Miike's exploration of psychological torment and the grotesque is effectively delivered.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'Ito' is varied. Some viewers appreciated its artistic merit and disturbing atmosphere, while others found the plot too abstract or slow-moving, leading to a polarized audience response.

The film is part of a project called 'Direct to! Shorts', an initiative by a Japanese distributor to release feature films directly to VOD and limited theatrical runs during the pandemic.