Stare

| 2019

Directed by: Otsuichi

Main Plot

"Stare," directed by Otsuichi, revolves around a mysterious curse linked to a chilling urban legend. The story begins with a series of inexplicable deaths, where victims die with a look of sheer terror on their faces. Investigative journalist Mizuki and her friend Haruka delve into the mystery, uncovering that each victim received a strange, unsettling message before their demise. As they dig deeper, they discover the legend of Shirai-san, a ghostly figure whose gaze is said to bring death. The investigation becomes a race against time as Mizuki and Haruka find themselves targeted by the curse. They must unravel the truth behind Shirai-san and find a way to break the curse before it claims more lives, including their own. The film blends elements of horror and suspense, exploring themes of fear, belief, and the power of urban legends.

Characters

  • Manami Enosawa is a determined journalist investigating a series of mysterious deaths. Her relentless pursuit of truth uncovers a chilling supernatural force behind the fatalities.
  • Marie Iitoyo plays Mizuki Yamamura, a young woman investigating a series of mysterious deaths linked to a cursed video. Her quest uncovers dark secrets and supernatural forces.
  • Yû Inaba plays Naoya, a key character who helps unravel the mystery behind a deadly curse linked to a horrifying urban legend.

Ending Explained

In the movie "Stare," directed by Otsuichi, the conclusion reveals the origin and nature of the curse that has been causing mysterious deaths. The protagonist, Mizuki, along with her friend Haruo, discovers that the curse is linked to a woman named Shirai, who had been subjected to severe bullying and ultimately died under tragic circumstances. Shirai's intense hatred and suffering manifested into a malevolent spirit that seeks revenge by killing those who hear her story. In the climax, Mizuki and Haruo confront the spirit in an attempt to break the curse. They learn that the only way to stop the killings is to destroy the source of Shirai's hatred. They uncover Shirai's diary, which contains her tormented thoughts and feelings. By burning the diary, they hope to release her spirit and end the cycle of vengeance. The movie concludes with the apparent cessation of the curse, suggesting that Shirai's spirit has found peace. However, the final scene leaves a lingering sense of unease, hinting that the curse might not be entirely eradicated, leaving the audience with an ambiguous and haunting ending.

Otsuichi Horror Mystery Manami Enosawa Marie Iitoyo Yû Inaba