Absurd Horror Full of Illusions: 'DOLLHOUSE' Gives You Chills and Makes You Crave More!

Kapanlagi.com - Imagine a horror film that makes you feel anxious due to the many uncertainties within it. This is the sensation offered by the latest film from Japan, DOLLHOUSE. An absurd horror story about a mysterious old doll that sends shivers down your spine, while also making you chuckle lightly before being shaken again by a shocking twist.

Currently, DOLLHOUSE is officially showing in Indonesian cinemas. For those of you who are still hesitant to watch, check out our review below. Who knows, you might change your mind!

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1. Highlighting the Expectation Game

(credit: Cinepolis Indonesia)

DOLLHOUSE, a Japanese supernatural horror film directed by Shinobu Yaguchi, successfully delivers a terrifying impression that penetrates to the psychological layers. This film proves that similar genres can still trap their viewers between feelings of fear, sadness, and confusion.

The film tells the story of Yoshie, a mother who loses her daughter and sinks into grief and depression. However, when an old doll resembling her late child enters her life, she finds a new solace. Everything feels perfect, until one day, Yoshie's second child and Tadahiko bring the doll back into their lives. Terror after terror slowly envelops this family. What initially seems like a path to healing turns into a nightmare that becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion.

What makes DOLLHOUSE stand out is its way of playing with expectations. Almost in every act, the audience is led to believe in one possibility, only to be suddenly directed towards something completely different. Many minor twists will make you feel thoroughly tricked. But that’s precisely what makes it feel alive. The feeling of being "played" doesn’t just end at one point. Throughout the film, the audience will be left questioning which events are real and which are not, and how far the doll can take over.

2. The Genius of the Director and the Actors of the Film DOLLHOUSE

(credit: Cinepolis Indonesia)

Uniquely, although thick with a tense atmosphere, DOLLHOUSE is not solely about pressuring the audience with fear. There are several comic relief moments subtly woven in, serving as brief breathing spaces before the audience is pulled back into the horror. Rather than ruining the tense atmosphere, this technique commonly used in modern horror films actually keeps the audience's emotions more engaged, successfully allowing the story to flow without feeling monotonous. This proves that Shinobu Yaguchi can still blend his comedic trademarks with the horror genre.

The performances of the cast serve as the foundation and main strength of the film. Masami Nagasawa as Yoshie delivers an extraordinarily emotional performance, showcasing the sorrow of a mother who has lost her child, along with the fear that gnaws at her. Koji Seto as Tadahiko also manages to maintain balance with a more rational character. Meanwhile, young actress Aoi Ikemura convincingly portrays a wide spectrum of emotions.

DOLLHOUSE is rich in detail. The music is loud and dramatic, appearing at crucial moments to heighten the audience's adrenaline. The cinematography transforms the small and cozy family home into an arena of terror: narrow hallways, dimly lit rooms, even the washing machine becomes a source of trauma.

3. Jumping Between Chapters and Logic

(credit: Cinepolis Indonesia)

The other strength of this film lies in its portrayal of time. Instead of following a linear path, the film DOLLHOUSE often jumps far ahead, making it feel like it is divided into separate chapters. The first chapter opens with an early tragedy, the second chapter serves as an introduction to the dolls, while the subsequent chapters invite the audience to delve deeper into the mystery behind it.

Overall, DOLLHOUSE certainly stands in a world that is quite far from everyday rationality. However, problems arise when the characters within it also act in ways that are difficult to understand, even if following the logic of its own world. Irrational character behavior is often presented in the horror genre as part of the convention. For some viewers, this can be frustrating. But for others, it actually adds to the tension.

In the end, DOLLHOUSE is not a typical horror film about a haunted doll. Every twist that emerges aims to spike adrenaline and dig deeper into the plot. With strong acting, a chilling atmosphere, and layered storytelling, this film is worth watching for those who enjoy horror with deep psychological elements.

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(kpl/olv)