MALICE
Kozono Yohei, secretary general of Shoto University, was found stabbed to death in his home. Hoshino Naoto, a detective at Fujimi Police Station, rushes to the scene and sees the scene of the murder in the living room. Tanimura Kaho, a lecturer at Shoto University's Department of International Studies, is trying to get ahead in life at any cost, and has been having an affair with Kozono, who holds the right to personnel affairs, for half a year. Kozono is murdered, and Kaho is arrested as a murderer. On the other hand, reporter Maruyama Sota receives information about the affair via anonymous email, and realizes that someone is trying to manipulate the impression of the incident, and begins his own investigation. In the midst of this, Hoshino feels uncomfortable with the investigative policy of the upper-level police, which concludes that Kaho is the culprit in a half-baked investigation, and eventually realizes that Kaho may have been framed by someone.
Insights
Plot Summary
A couple struggling with fertility issues hopes to adopt, but their lives take a terrifying turn when they discover that their potential surrogate's previous charges have all met mysterious, tragic ends. As they delve deeper into her disturbing past, they uncover a dark secret that threatens to consume them.
Critical Reception
Malice received a generally negative reception from critics, who often cited its predictable plot, underdeveloped characters, and reliance on jump scares over genuine suspense. Audiences were somewhat divided, with some appreciating the tension and atmosphere, while others found the story unoriginal.
What Reviewers Say
- Panned for its derivative plot and lack of originality.
- Criticized for underdeveloped characters and reliance on standard horror tropes.
- Some viewers found the premise intriguing, but ultimately felt the execution was disappointing.
Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a mixed reception, with some users appreciating the film's suspenseful moments and creepy atmosphere. However, many felt the plot was predictable and the ending unsatisfying, leading to disappointment despite a promising setup.
Fun Fact
Director Jacob Chase previously directed the well-received horror short 'Larry' and the feature film 'Come Play'.
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