It’s not often that a movie comes along which perfectly captures the essence of both mystery and beauty in one fell swoop. Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain does just that, blending haunting visuals with a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Now, you may be wondering: is this film a continuation of the iconic Mononoke anime series, or is it something entirely new?
The answer, my friends, is yes – Phantom in the Rain is a thrilling new entry into the Mononoke universe, an emotionally charged tale that explores the boundary between the living and the supernatural as part of a movie trilogy.
A SHADOWY DANCE
Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain returns to the supernatural world with a haunting new chapter, where spirits and mystery collide in a town perpetually soaked by torrential rain.
Directed by Kenji Nakamura, this 2024 psychological horror film draws inspiration from the Mononoke anime series (2007), which itself emerged from the Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales anthology (2006). It marks the first instalment in a planned trilogy, setting a high bar for what’s to come.
The film follows the enigmatic Medicine Seller, once again voiced by Hiroshi Kamiya, as he navigates the eerie atmosphere of this rain-drenched town.
Asa, a young woman striving for career success, and Kame, whose ambition leads her to seek entry into the mysterious Inner Chambers, are both drawn into a web of secrets. The elderly Utayama works desperately to conceal the dark truths hidden within, but as the Medicine Seller investigates, the horrifying reality begins to surface.
Phantom in the Rain is visually stunning, with its distinctive art style creating a moving, atmospheric painting on screen. The rain serves as both a literal and metaphorical barrier, hiding as much as it reveals.
The film’s slow-burn narrative unfolds around a malevolent spirit steeped in sorrow, drawing viewers into its tragic past. This delicate balance between spiritual mystery and emotional turmoil makes the movie more than just a ghost story – it’s a profound meditation on the darker corners of the human soul.
Released globally on Netflix from November 28, Phantom in the Rain promises a storm of mystery and emotion, with a sequel set for March 2025.
A STUNNING VISUAL FEAST
Now, I’ve seen my fair share of animated films, but nothing quite compares to the visual artistry of Phantom in the Rain. If you’re a fan of the original series, you’ll instantly recognise the distinct art style: bold, expressive, and full of intricate details that make each frame feel like a moving painting.
It’s as if the animators took a brush dipped in atmospheric fog and used it to create the world itself, where every drop of rain, every shadow in the alley, and every movement of the spirits feels alive and potent.
Personally, I’m always a huge fan of animation that isn’t afraid to get a little weird with its visuals, and the movie certainly delivers in this regard. The spirits, each with their own unique, often grotesque appearances, are a treat to behold.
Some are wispy and ethereal, while others are heavily stylised with jagged lines and surreal designs. I had to pause the film at several points just to take in the sheer artistry on display, especially in the scenes where the spirit world bleeds into the human realm, causing reality to warp and twist in unsettling ways.
Admittedly, I was a bit under the weather when I watched the movie and had to rewind some parts as I felt a bit lost from the various jumping sequences of scenes.
The use of colour in the film, however, deserves a mention too. While the movie’s genre is supernatural psychological horror, the colours somehow gives balance to the storyline and makes it less horrifying and more intriguing, for me at least.
FLESHED OUT AND UNPREDICTABLE
When it comes to characters, Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain sticks to the formula that made the anime series so intriguing. The Medicine Seller remains as inscrutable as ever, his motivations hidden behind layers of mystery, and his stoic personality serves as a sharp contrast to the chaos of the world around him.
There’s something about his quiet intensity that makes you want to unravel his story just as much as the spirits he seeks to solve.
It’s this depth of characterisation that elevates Phantom in the Rain from a simple supernatural thriller to a thoughtful meditation on the nature of vengeance, redemption and human emotion.
It’s hard to ignore how much the character of the Medicine Seller is shaped by his interactions with the spirits. If you’ve ever been caught in a “storm” – one that seems to strip away everything but your raw emotions – you’ll appreciate how the film portrays the internal conflict of its characters.
Mononoke Second Chapter: Hinezumi is set to arrive in Japan on March 14, 2025, ready to pick up where the haunting journey left off. Having watched the first official trailer, I’m already hooked and can’t wait to see how this chilling saga unfolds. – Izah Azahari
