THE VAULT

Onibaba (1964) Explained: Beyond the Blood

Scare Score: 7.8/100

The most daring film import ever...From Japan!

The Premise

While her son, Kichi, is away at war, a woman and her daughter-in-law survive by killing samurai who stray into their swamp, then selling whatever valuables they find. Both are devastated when they learn that Kichi has died, but his wife soon begins an affair with a neighbor who survived the war, Hachi. The mother disapproves and, when she can't steal Hachi for herself, tries to scare her daughter-in-law with a mysterious mask from a dead samurai.

Why It Terrifies Us

Categorized under Folk Horror, Drama, Onibaba taps into fundamental fears. The 7.8/100 Scare Score is well-earned. The themes of japan, samurai, jealousy continually haunt viewers long after the credits roll.

Into The Vault

Ready to dig deeper? The ScreamDesk Vault connects you to the architecture of fear.