‘The Substance’ Fans Need to Watch This Japanese Horror Film

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  • ‘Helter Skelter’ Tackles Obsessions with Beauty
  • ‘Helter Skelter’ Is an Underappreciated Masterpiece
  • Why Fans of ‘The Substance’ Need to Watch ‘Helter Skelter’

As a movie connoisseur, the mere whisper of Japanese body horror is enough to capture the attention of fans who have enjoyed the grit and glory of “Tetsuo: The Iron Man”. Japan has an impressive track record in this genre, from the chilling series of “Tomie” to contemporary cult favorites like “Meatball Machine”. However, among these standouts, Mika Ninagawa’s “Helter Skelter” truly shines and might even be on par with Shinya Tsukamoto’s iconic film.

As a cinephile, I’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem that has flown under the radar – “Helter Skelter”. Despite its limited distribution and scarce availability on major streaming platforms, this film is a must-see masterpiece. It might require subscribing to smaller platforms or going the extra mile to track it down, but trust me, it’s worth it.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect, as the buzz around “The Substance” is reaching its peak. “Helter Skelter” makes for an excellent companion piece to the Demi Moore-led body horror. It’s a cinematic experience that adds depth and richness to the overall viewing experience.

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‘Helter Skelter’ Tackles Obsessions with Beauty

The title ‘Helter Skelter’ might seem strange to people in the Western world, but it holds different connotations for different groups. For some, it may bring back memories or evoke an interest in macabre subjects, associating it with Charles Manson and his followers whose actions were fueled by this phrase. Others might recognize it as a song by The Beatles from their White Album. This song served as the inspiration for the original manga created by Kyoko Okazaki, which she found suitable to depict the turmoil experienced by her characters in her work.

Interestingly, before becoming an accomplished mangaka, Kyoko Okazaki worked as a fashion illustrator. Her manga often reflects her experiences and observations from her time within the industry, highlighting both its positive aspects and potential pitfalls, particularly for women who may be negatively impacted by the pressures of the profession.

The 2012 film titled “Helter Skelter” is generally true to its original content, narrating the tale of a once-prominent fashion model named Liliko. The movie starts by showing Liliko at the pinnacle of her career, but with fresh, young models swiftly gaining popularity. To adhere to beauty norms, Liliko opts for a series of experimental surgeries. However, these procedures have their pitfalls; for instance, they lead to her skin decaying, necessitating costly maintenance to preserve her appearance.

In response to her own body rebelling and fearing a decline in her popularity, Liliko lashes out at those close to her. This is evident as she mistreats her assistant and partner by pressuring them into participating in illegal and deviant activities. These actions are meant not only to keep her relevant within the industry but also for her personal entertainment. As the story of “Helter Skelter” progresses, Liliko grows increasingly desperate and malicious.

In the film “Helter Skelter,” directed by Mika Ninagawa, who later adapted Osamu Dazai’s somber masterpiece “No Longer Human” in 2019, the role of Liliko was given to Erika Sawajiri, a former model turned actress. This casting decision aligned with the original material. Alongside Sawajiri, Japanese acting veterans Shinobu Terajima and Nao Ômori took on supporting roles. Notably, the film features an impressive score by renowned composer Kōji Ueno.

‘Helter Skelter’ Is an Underappreciated Masterpiece

The scarcity of distribution for the film “Helter Skelter,” which has only recently become streamable in the West and is not readily available on major platforms, has kept it relatively unknown. This is unfortunate given its exceptional, distinctive, and moving nature, crafted by Mika Ninagawa. Visually, the movie seamlessly blends into the fashion world while forging its own identity; it’s a visual delight from beginning to end without being overly indulgent, mirroring Liliko’s glamorous lifestyle. In essence, “Helter Skelter” promises to be a delightful treat for those captivated by the glitz and glamour of events like the Met Gala and fashion-centric films.

The film’s unique artistic style sets it apart as a more experimental piece within cinema, yet its appeal will stretch beyond the confines of art-house audiences. While some aspects are conveyed through abstract storytelling and imagery, the narrative is rooted in universal truths about youth, fixation, and aesthetics, making these artistic elements accessible to follow. To put it simply, Helter Skelter is not only visually striking but also delivers a powerful emotional impact. Despite Liliko’s villainous nature, her struggle against fate makes her a deeply moving character that resonates with anyone grappling with the challenges of aging and feeling irrelevant in a rapidly changing culture.

Erika Sawajiri delivers a powerful, emotional portrayal of Liliko, seamlessly moving between elegance, intense disgust, and profound sadness. It’s not uncommon for foreign films to have their scores by Kōji Ueno undervalued; this score is among the best of the 2010s. The sharp cinematography, lavish production design, fashion, harmonious music, and convincing acting make Helter Skelter a film that deserves more recognition as a hidden masterpiece.

Why Fans of ‘The Substance’ Need to Watch ‘Helter Skelter’

Helter Skelter pairs beautifully with The Substance. Both movies masterfully blend terror with beauty, delve into profound topics related to mortality, and present a visual style that sets them apart in the viewing experience. Erika Sawajiri’s acting performance is remarkable, while Demi Moore’s is equally outstanding, each delivering an authentic portrayal of a struggling star experiencing moments of physical and mental body horror. Despite their similarities in theme and presentation, these films are distinct visions of horror from exceptional female directors, offering unique perspectives while effortlessly addressing universal themes that resonate with a wide audience.

1. You can watch Helter Skelter on Fandor, Asian Crush, Retro Crush, or Midnight Pulp streaming platforms.

2. Alternatively, The Substance is available for streaming on the Mubi platform.

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2025-01-13 01:31