Never After Dark
· travel
The Dark Side of Isolation: How Never After Dark Captures Japan’s Haunted Psyche
In recent years, Japanese cinema has become increasingly fascinated with the concept of “ikizukai,” or the idea that life is precious because it can be taken away at any moment. This theme is often explored in films that examine the darker aspects of human nature and the supernatural, but few have captured its essence as effectively as Dave Boyle’s Never After Dark.
On the surface, this eerie ghost story appears to be a standard-issue horror film, replete with creaking doors, flickering candles, and a mysterious presence lurking in the shadows. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Never After Dark is something more – a nuanced exploration of Japan’s complex emotional landscape.
The protagonist, Airi, is a freelance exorcist who travels across Japan in her trusty Volvo station wagon, taking on cases to help restless spirits find peace. Her backstory, revealed gradually throughout the movie, is marked by tragedy and loss, particularly the death of her younger sister Miku, who remains trapped between worlds.
The film’s use of isolation as a tool for building tension is noteworthy. The old house where Airi takes on her latest case is a character in its own right – creaking floorboards, dusty corridors, and an eerie atmosphere that seeps into the viewer’s bones. Boyle uses sound design and visuals to create unease that permeates every scene.
Never After Dark is also a thoughtful exploration of Japan’s cultural psyche. The country has long been fascinated by the supernatural, with yokai (mythical creatures) and onryo (vengeful spirits) featuring prominently in folklore and popular culture. In this context, Airi’s profession as an exorcist takes on added significance, serving as a metaphor for Japan’s complex relationship with death and the afterlife.
The film’s themes are closely tied to Japan’s changing demographics and societal shifts. The protagonist’s age – a middle-aged woman who has dedicated her life to helping others – speaks to a generation struggling to find its place in a rapidly aging society. Her complicated relationship with her sister serves as a poignant reminder of the country’s troubled history and the lasting impact of trauma on individuals and communities.
The film’s success can be measured by its well-deserved critical acclaim, but also by its timely release in September 2023. As autumnal winds begin to blow across Japan, this film is poised to tap into the collective psyche of a nation still grappling with the aftermath of COVID-19 and societal change.
Boyle’s masterpiece offers a nuanced exploration of Japan’s haunted psyche – one that lingers long after the credits roll.
Reader Views
- IRIván R. · tour guide
While Never After Dark's exploration of Japan's haunted psyche is compelling, I think it overlooks the film's more sinister subtext: the exploitation of Airi's profession by the vulnerable spirits she purports to help. The movie implies that her line of work is a necessary evil in Japan's spiritual economy, where restless souls are left to suffer unless someone is willing to intervene. This aspect of the narrative raises questions about cultural complicity and whether these exorcisms merely serve as a Band-Aid on a far deeper societal issue.
- MJMara J. · long-term traveler
The film's portrayal of ikizukai is spot on, but I think what's overlooked in this analysis is how Never After Dark reflects Japan's changing relationship with its rural landscapes. The old house where Airi takes her case is a decaying relic of the past, echoing the country's abandonment of traditional ways of life for urbanization and modernity. It's an eerie parallel that adds depth to the film's exploration of isolation and the supernatural.
- TCThe Compass Desk · editorial
While Never After Dark does an excellent job of capturing Japan's haunted psyche, I think it glosses over the very real consequences of being a yurei- fixated culture. The notion that we can simply 'exorcise' our way to peace is oversimplified – often, restless spirits are just manifestations of unresolved societal issues. By neglecting this critical context, Boyle's film risks romanticizing the very problems it seeks to confront. In reality, true healing requires addressing systemic issues, not just chasing ghosts.