A couple is on their first date, and while they are peacefully walking, they are attacked by a stranger who knocks them both out—this is how Grotesque begins.
Upon waking, they find themselves imprisoned in a large room.
In the presence of a sadistic surgeon determined to torture and humiliate them, he seeks to achieve sexual arousal through their pain.
Review
Grotesque is a torture porn film that doesn’t hold back on deeply disturbing moments, which is why it was banned in the UK. The crazed protagonist uses every possible method to satisfy his thirst for pleasure, through amputations and assaults.
Every tool available, from chainsaws to scalpels, is used, while he simultaneously provides immediate treatment to prevent his two captives from dying too quickly.
The Director
Shiraishi directs with a steady and meticulous hand, crafting a story that at times feels surreal, both in its motivations and some of its narrative solutions.
He nonetheless manages to depict cruelty with a raw sense of realism, sparing no close-ups, gruesome details, or moments that make it hard to keep your eyes on the screen.
With this title, once again, the East proves itself a land capable of producing extreme cinema with technical expertise and a communicative method that leaves a lasting impression. A special mention goes to Shigeo Osako, the cold villain with a gaze that perfectly captures his deranged madness.
Pan-Demonic Moment
The horrific sequence of genital torture inflicted on the unfortunate Kazuo—realistically disturbing.
Conclusion
Grotesque is a film difficult to recommend, even for fans of extreme horror. Its viewing may be unbearable for many, but for those seeking cinematic experiences that push boundaries, it might represent a unique work in its genre. Kōji Shiraishi does not aim to please anyone with this film; his intention seems to be to create a visceral piece capable of shocking even the most hardened viewers.
Each person’s opinion of Grotesque will likely depend on their tolerance for violence in cinema and how willing they are to look beyond the surface-level horror in search of a deeper meaning, even where none may seem to exist.
Subscribe to our channel on YouTube
