Netflix’s Eccentric 12-Part Dark Fantasy Is a Masterpiece You’ll Finish in a Weekend

Image: Toei Animation

Are you familiar with the 2006 anime anthology Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales? This triptych of stories breathes new life into the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore. While its first two segments, “Yotsuya Kaidan” and “Tenshu Monogatari,” offer dark, stylized adaptations of classic kabuki plays centered on betrayal and tragic romance, the third entry—”Bakeneko”—stands apart as a haunting original tale focused on a vengeful, supernatural feline entity.

“Bakeneko” remains the most resonant of the trio, distinguished by its taut, three-act structure and a stunning aesthetic inspired by traditional Ukiyo-e woodblock prints. It is this distinct visual flair and narrative depth that paved the way for the 2007 spin-off series, Mononoke—a gripping 12-episode masterpiece that demands a weekend binge.

At the heart of “Bakeneko” is the enigmatic Medicine Seller, a wandering exorcist tasked with hunting down and neutralizing mononoke—spirits manifesting from the volatile, repressed emotions of humanity. Mononoke expands upon this premise, presenting a series of intricate, interconnected mysteries where the protagonist must rely on his supernatural intellect to dismantle these spectral anomalies.

The series masterfully utilizes an episodic, procedural format that blends supernatural horror with the intellectual rigor of a classic detective story. You might envision the Medicine Seller as a spectral counterpart to John Constantine, though the primary allure of the show lies in the shroud of mystery surrounding his true motivations and ultimate objectives.

Mononoke organizes its narrative into distinct arcs, ensuring the pacing remains tight and rewarding. For instance, the opening “Zashiki-warashi” arc follows Shino, a pregnant woman besieged by protective spirits within an inn. This story challenges the assumption that all spirits are malicious, forcing the Medicine Seller to navigate the gray morality of his profession. These emotional stakes transform the series from a simple monster-of-the-week show into a profound examination of the human condition.

The legacy of the series has recently flourished into a cinematic trilogy. The first two films, Phantom in the Rain and The Ashes of Rage, elevate the franchise’s commitment to visual maximalism without sacrificing narrative weight. Because these films assume a familiarity with the Medicine Seller’s methods, diving into the original 12-episode anime is essential for anyone who wishes to appreciate the full scope of this surreal, avant-garde journey.

Ultimately, Mononoke is a visual triumph, drawing heavily from the exaggerated masks and stylized movements of kabuki theater. It presents a kaleidoscopic, dreamlike reality that remains unrivaled in the medium. For those seeking an experimental, atmospheric mystery that defies convention, this series is an indispensable watch.

Mononoke is available for streaming on Netflix and Crunchyroll.

Source: Polygon