Uzumaki, based on Junji Ito’s horror manga of the same name, promised fans an intense, hair-raising adaptation of Ito’s iconic spiral curse that consumes an entire town. For fans of Ito’s work, expectations were understandably high—this was to be a faithful rendition in both tone and style. However, while the anime certainly aimed to capture the eerie atmosphere and the existential dread embedded in Ito’s work, the result became one of mixed emotions, oscillating between moments of intense horror and unfortunate lapses in quality.

What is Uzumaki about?

• Full Genre list: Horror, Supernatural, Psychological
• Type: TV
• Episodes: 4
• Duration to watch the entirety of the anime in hours: +/- 1 hour 30 minutes
• Age restriction: R – 17+ (violence and disturbing content)
• Trigger warnings: Body horror, disturbing imagery, self-harm, suicide, trypophobia
• Release date: October 2022
• Animation Studio: Drive
• English Dub: Yes
• Source: Manga
• Kanji: うずまき
• Alternative Title: Uzumaki: Spiral into Horror
• Average rating across anime platforms: 7.2/10
• Where can it be streamed: Netflix, Max, Hulu, All 4
• Does the story carry on in the source material? No, the anime covers the entire manga but excludes some parts of the manga.

A creeping curse haunts the fog-shrouded town of Kurozu-cho, Japan. Shuichi Saito, a troubled teen, recognizes the insidious pattern: uzumaki, the spiral. It’s everywhere – in seashells, ferns, even the whorls of human ears. As the obsession takes root, the townsfolk are drawn into a terrifying vortex of madness, their bodies and minds twisting into grotesque shapes with no escape.

My Thoughts on Uzumaki:

What I find so chilling about Uzumaki is how Ito takes something as simple as a spiral and turns it into this incredibly unsettling force. It’s not just a visual thing; it’s an obsession that warps reality itself. People get twisted into spiral shapes, buildings contort, and the whole town feels like it’s caught in this terrifying, inescapable vortex.

The first episode of the anime totally nailed it. The artwork was detailed, the atmosphere was heavy, and I was genuinely creeped out.

Animation: A Downward Spiral in Quality

In episode one, Uzumaki seems to capture Ito’s intense and detailed art style. The visuals are crisp, dynamic, and thoroughly unsettling, truly setting the tone for an ominous journey. Sadly, the animation quality took a nosedive after the first episode. The characters’ expressions lose their eerie nuances, movements become stilted, and complex scenes feel more like static images than fluid animations.

In particular, one scene on the beach, intended to heighten suspense, instead resembled characters “sliding” across a still background—a jarring distraction in what should have been a tense moment. This inconsistency continues throughout the series. Episode three got a bit better, but it never reached the heights of that first episode. By the final episode, things had improved visually, but it still felt like a far cry from what we saw at the beginning. The whole thing felt disjointed, like a series of stops and starts instead of a smooth descent into madness.

While the difference in animation quality was noticeable, on the whole, it did not ruin the series for me. The core story and the creepiness of the spiral curse were still strong enough to keep me hooked.

Pacing: A Stitched-Together Horror Anthology

The pacing also felt off. I found out that in the manga, each spiral-related horror is basically its own chapter, creating a rhythm of suspense and relief. The anime, however, chose to condense and blend several of these events into single episodes, producing a disjointed narrative flow.

For viewers unfamiliar with the manga, as I had been, the jump from one event to another can feel chaotic and hard to follow, reducing the clarity and impact of each horror. This stitching of separate events creates confusion, blurring the storyline and detracting from the psychological depth and suspense Ito so carefully constructed.

The Sound Design: A Saving Grace for Uzumaki

One thing the anime absolutely nailed was the sound design. The haunting whispers, the distorted music, and the unsettling silences created this constant feeling of dread. It deserves praise for amplifying the series’ horror elements.

The sound design, a highlight across the series, deserves praise for amplifying the series’ horror elements. Haunting whispers, distorted melodies, and uncomfortable silences create a sense of dread that envelops viewers, making them feel trapped in the town’s cursed reality. The soundtrack lends an eerie quality to each episode, holding the horror together even when the visuals falter. For example, in the scene where Shuichi’s father becomes obsessed with spirals, the eerie, pulsating sound accompanying his madness heightens the tension and sense of impending doom. The soundtrack lends an eerie quality to each episode, holding the horror together even when the visuals falter.

Mixed Reactions: A Horror Lover’s Conundrum

I get why Uzumaki has been so divisive. Some defend the anime as a valiant attempt at capturing an “unadaptable” masterpiece, while others argue it is yet another disappointing attempt at adapting Ito’s work for the screen. For die-hard Junji Ito fans, episode one may be the closest they’ll get to a faithful visual adaptation of the Uzumaki experience. Yet the rapid decline in quality from episode two onwards renders the rest of the series more of a novelty watch than a horror staple.

This series is undeniably creepy, and the sound design amplifies the unsettling atmosphere. The unpredictable nature of the spirals keeps you on the edge of your seat, never knowing how they will manifest or what horrors they will unleash. Despite its flaws, Uzumaki remains a captivating watch. The disturbing imagery and eerie soundtrack create a genuinely unsettling experience. The series also explores deeper themes of obsession, paranoia, and the human condition, adding a layer of complexity to the horror.

FInal thoughts on Uzumaki

Uzumaki is like a visual representation of the spirals themselves – a descent from amazing potential to something… less amazing. It had moments of brilliance, but overall, it felt like a missed opportunity. For anyone intrigued by Ito’s unique brand of horror, episode one offers a taste of what might have been, though those invested in a complete, coherent adaptation would do well to return to the manga for the full effect.

My Favourite Character: Kirie Goshima

Kirie’s ability to remain strong and composed amidst the unfolding horrors in Kurouzu-cho is admirable. She faces terrifying situations head-on and continues to support her friends and family despite the overwhelming fear and uncertainty. Throughout the series, Kirie undergoes significant character development. She evolves from a typical high school student to someone who faces unimaginable horrors with courage and determination. This growth makes her an engaging and dynamic character for me. Kirie’s development mirrored the themes of the story itself – the struggle to maintain your humanity in the face of overwhelming, reality-bending forces.

Would I recommend it? It’s a yes, but with a warning. Uzumaki has its flaws, especially with the inconsistent animation. But the unsettling atmosphere and the unique concept make it worth watching if you’re a horror fan. Just be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride.

Despite these flaws, I would still recommend Uzumaki to horror enthusiasts. The unsettling atmosphere, combined with the unique and grotesque concept of spiral obsession, makes for a compelling watch. In essence, if you’re intrigued by the premise and can overlook the series’ inconsistencies, Uzumaki is worth watching for its unique and chilling narrative.

What are your thoughts on Uzumaki?

Overall, while I was disappointed by the inconsistency in animation quality, the series’ ability to convey the haunting and surreal nature of Uzumaki was effective enough to make it a worthwhile watch. The compelling story and atmospheric tension overshadowed the visual shortcomings, ensuring that the essence of Ito’s horror masterpiece was still conveyed.

My rating: 6.5/10