Creature features are usually fairly cookie-cutter. Usually, they’re about a group of people who go somewhere/do something and are attacked by a monster unleashed by questionable means. There’s nothing wrong with the standard creature feature…but what about those who want more? Where are the creature features that push the envelope of expectation? Bakemono is the film for those who want to experience something fresh and unique. And it helps if you’re a fan of blood, sinew, viscera, tentacles, etc.
Bakemono tells the fragmented tales of multiple poor souls who find their demise in an Airbnb. Friends, philanderers, forlorn souls, relatives, everyone is fair game in this horrific hostel. The Airbnb is owned by the mysterious Mitsuo (Takashi Irie), an unstable man who may be more involved than he seems. Will anyone survive the wrath of this transforming creature?
Writer/director Doug Roos follows up his debut feature film, The Sky Has Fallen, with this truly frightening blood-soaked nightmare. Almost 15 years later, Roos finds himself back in the director’s chair with this fully practical t[err]our de force. Utilizing methods of old and new, Roos creates an unambiguously fascinating film. Rather than telling his story as a straightforward narrative, Roos switches everything up. His implementation of non-linear storytelling starts uncertain and seemingly meaningless. However, once everything is revealed, it almost feels like this story couldn’t be told any other way. Its fragmentation is a jump cut into your gut, a Frankenstein of enjoyment. I hope that sounds as positive as I meant it to.
The film’s biggest flaw comes as a secret strength: the lighting. Make no mistake, this film is dark. Roos’ sparse use of lighting effectively conveys an atmosphere of dread and forces you to fill in the gaps. This will work for some and not for others. Unlike most of today’s films, the film is not poorly lit, but it’s lit intentionally. Some of the gore is obscured through the lighting, but don’t worry, there is still plenty to feast your eyes on. And you’ll want to catch as much of these juicy practicals from Roos himself (with one mask created by The Horror Dome). Acting-wise, we see the best performances from the non-English cast. The Japanese actors flawlessly make their way into our hearts before being dispatched into multiple pieces. The English actors feel less believable, though this doesn’t affect my overall feelings toward their demise.
Bakemono is an unconventional creature feature rich with atmosphere, blood, and an unsettling score. No CGI, no digital enhancements, all 100% practical. It doesn’t get more real than this. Roos tackled this project with a skeleton crew, an idea, and a dream and ended up creating one of the most compelling creature features of the last 20 years. Tentacles, severed body parts, and a creature drafted from hell, Bakemono will haunt your nightmares…and maybe even your next Airbnb.
