Vampire Clay

Vampire Clay is a 2017 Japanese horror film. Directed by sculptor-turned-director Soichi Umezawa, the film primarily stars Ena Fujita, Asuka Kurosawa, and Yuyu Makihara. Known for his special effects works in various drama series and films, Umezawa brings his unique ability to carve uncanny, ghastly figures in his debut full-length feature.

The narrative of Vampire Clay revolves around a rural sculpture class and a pack of enigmatic clay, which turns out to be cursed. The mysterious clay takes on a life of its own, turning against its manipulators. The unsuspecting academy becomes the scenic backdrop of the bizarre and inexplicable events that unfold as the clay begins to possess the students, transforming them into monstrous clay-infused creatures filled with reckless, bloodthirsty aggression.

The protagonist, Kaori, portrayed by Ena Fujita, is a driven yet introverted art student who enrolls in the school to develop her skills. Fujita's performance as the tenacious Kaori is surely one of the highlights of Vampire Clay. As the strange occurrences unfold, Kaori finds herself amidst an unanticipated battle for survival.

Asuka Kurosawa plays the role of the teacher in the rural art school, a former renown sculptor who continues to harbor deep seething passion for the art form. Kurosawa’s portrayal of a rather complex character who has her share of secrets adds another layer to the mysteriously chilling narrative.

Yuyu Makihara plays one of the students, a confident, outgoing character who strives to be the best, adding to the competitive dynamic among the students. This competition further elevates the tension in the story when mixed with eerie happenings.

This film involves a blend of art and horror. The artwork created within the movie is intriguing and terrifying, in keeping with the genre. Umezawa’s intricate special effects work becomes a cornerstone of the film, creating an atmosphere of eerie suspense through aesthetic imagination. The grotesque transformations and the physically grotesque horror provide an escalating sense of terror that only intensifies as the movie progresses.

The influence of traditional Japanese horror cinema is clear throughout Vampire Clay. However, it also contains a level of quirkiness and off-beat humor that diverges from standard horror film expectations. The humor doesn’t downplay the horror but instead allows for an unpredictable and enjoyable twist, providing moments of relief throughout the suspenseful narrative. The film is filled with ample amounts of dark comedy, thus creating a hybrid of grotesque horror and tongue-in-cheek humor.

Meanwhile, the cinematography beautifully captures rural Japan's scenic beauty and contrasts this tranquility with the chaotic and horrifying turn of events. The juxtaposition creates an unnerving ambience that adds to the suspense and thrills, making it visually engaging. Minami Oka's ambient score further succeeds in enhancing the suspense and uncertainty, keeping the audience quite literally on the edge of their seats.

Moreover, this film's study of the competitive world of art and aspirations can be seen as a critique of the cut-throat nature of achieving success in the arts, metaphorically illustrated through the dreadful events.

In summary, Vampire Clay is a uniquely disturbing experience tailor-made for fans of both horror and art. The blend of genres, psychological themes, coupled with a distinctive storyline and a dedicated cast, make it a must-watch for those seeking the unconventional. Not for the faint of heart, the movie effectively marries the fascination for art and the dread of horror, providing an entirely unexpected journey. Overall, Vampire Clay is much more than just a horror film; it's a visually striking work of art brimming with suspense, chills, and a touch of humor.