“I thought there were supposed to be two of you,” the owners say when Airi (Moeka Hoshi) arrives. She just shrugs and moves on to business. Yes, there are two—Airi and her sister Miku (Kurumi Inagaki), but Miku has been gone for a while. Airi is a professional psychic, and having a ghost helper works for her. Unlike many horror stories, Airi isn’t scared of spirits; she sees them as souls needing guidance to move on. But her new job gets complicated when living people pose a bigger threat than the dead.
Mother and son duo Teiko (Tae Kimura) and Gunji (Kento Kaku) have bought the house, once a hotel, and are planning to flip it. Teiko starts experiencing ghostly encounters, which causes her distress. Gunji, skeptical of Airi’s abilities, thinks she’s just there to calm his mother down. Yet, both Teiko and Gunji seek Airi’s help to connect with the spirit haunting their home.
The house has its quirks. A grandfather clock with a mind of its own catches Airi’s eye. There’s also a door that opens and closes by itself. These small details set an eerie mood, reminiscent of classic horror films. The tension builds when Airi discovers what the ghost is searching for, shifting the film from spooky to unsettling.
Director Dave Boyle aims for a fresh take on supernatural themes. Airi isn’t your typical ghost whisperer; she mentions a veil between worlds and uses intriguing methods, like a candle and a vintage zöetrope, to reach a trance state. This not only creates a captivating spectacle but also makes the audience feel slightly dizzy and off-balance.
The film cleverly shifts towards a thrilling climax, blending traditional J-horror elements while steering clear of cliches. What stands out is the emotional depth around the sisters. Airi, once the younger and more vulnerable sibling, navigates the complexities of being the surviving sister, which adds an extra layer of resonance to the story.
Recent studies reveal that horror films resonate deeply in times of uncertainty. According to a 2022 survey from the American Psychological Association, 60% of viewers find comfort in horror stories during challenging periods, suggesting that we often seek out these narratives to explore our fears in a safe environment. This backdrop enhances the relatability of “Never After Dark,” making its emotional beats even more poignant.
By mixing chills with genuine emotional stakes, “Never After Dark” doesn’t just entertain; it lingers in your thoughts long after the credits roll.
Never After Dark screened as part of SXSW 2026.
