The unexpected message in favor of science from a horror movie – see

More than 25 years after his cinematic debut, Samara (or Sadako, in Japanese), the terrifying dead girl who emerges from the Well of Concession Connection It’s still at the top of the list of most-watched VHS tapes (or cassettes) in the realm of fictional history – and it looks like the saga isn’t over yet. There are, in all, thirteen feature films about the character — nine Japanese, three American, and one Korean — all starring characters who are aware, but who are so inquisitive that they always resign themselves to watching the bizarre tape that leads their viewers to death after 7 days. Summons 4: Samara risesIt, in turn, comes from the Japanese film series Pray forwhich began in 2012, brings cabeluda to the online world, where everything is spreading rapidly like a highly contagious disease.

This time around, the protagonist is Ayaka Ichigo (Fuka Koshiba), a scientist frequently cited for his IQ of 200. With all the stereotypes of super-fictional thinkers—including tics and social phobia—she dedicates herself to employing the scientific method in her search for the cursed video, which becomes His now changed. No longer a week, the “Samara virus” incubation period now lasts just 24 hours. The resulting visions also change and now take the form of infected loved ones – allowing anyone to wear the white dress and wig. As the synopsis makes clear, the film is closer to science fiction (and comedy) than horror, and by dispensing with the idea of ​​a full cure for the curse, the film becomes an unusual allegory about vaccination And most surprisingly, booster shots.

However, the film’s unexpected scientifically correct message – as it can be – does not excuse it from the expected flaws of a project like this. Samara rises It’s shot like a toothpaste ad and edited with transitions that look like they came straight out of an old version of the show Film Maker. The dramatic language is borrowed from dramas – Japanese soap operas that feature cartoon shows and young adult novels. Allied with the narrative, it composes a disjointed and jarring vision, subverting any audience fear or character construction — as well as the old-fashioned special effects that animate Samara’s locks. There is no technical subtlety whatsoever, and fortunately no time to assume seriousness or importance.

Appeal 4Therefore, he does what seemed impossible and manages to be, at the same time, pure stupidity and a reflection of post-pandemic reality, immersed in a childlike sensitivity that makes him sometimes charming and fun, sometimes incredibly cheesy. No one asked for this sequel, but when the credits roll to bubblegum pop and bloopers, it’s impossible to deny the delight caused by the sensuous blend of deep bewilderment and cynicism.