Audition

The story unfolds across a network of urban spaces: a hospital where Ryoko dies, a private apartment where Asami hides, a hotel where Shigeharu contemplates marriage, a dance studio and a bar that anchor his search for companionship, and his own home that becomes the stage for danger and memory.

🌀 Illusion & Obsession

The film toys with perception, turning a harmless dream of companionship into a trap. Shigeharu's longing blinds him to red flags as Asami's calm, enigmatic persona draws him in. The fake casting scheme feeds a dangerous fixation that blurs reality and fantasy, culminating in a nightmarish sequence that questions what is real.

🩸 Violence & Trauma

Graphic violence sits at the edge of the narrative, coming through Asami's torturous control and the discovery of body parts. The torture sequences and the discovery of the dismembered remains mark deep psychological wounds for Shigeharu. The false awakenings intensify the trauma as reality and nightmare collide.

💔 Love vs Obsession

Shigeharu seeks companionship after his wife's death, but Asami demands exclusive devotion and punishes any sign of affection for others. The relationship is framed as a testing ground for loyalty, blurring lines between love, manipulation, and possessive control. The son’s presence introduces a protective counterpoint, culminating in a confrontation that restores some balance.