Onibaba can be scary, although it is more accurately described as an eerie and atmospheric horror movie than a film filled with conventional scares. Kaneto Shindo’s 1964 Japanese classic follows two women living in a field during a period of civil war who survive by murdering and robbing passing samurai. When a mysterious masked samurai enters their lives, their already bleak existence takes an increasingly sinister turn. The film’s isolated setting, striking black-and-white cinematography, and unsettling use of sound create a sense of dread that hangs over the entire story.
READ MORE: Our review of Onibaba
Much of the horror in Onibaba comes from its atmosphere and the film’s exploration of fear, jealousy, and superstition. The tall field of grass where much of the story takes place feels almost like a character itself, constantly shifting and hiding what might be lurking nearby. The famous demon mask also provides some of the movie’s most memorable imagery, but Shindo is more interested in building psychological tension than relying on constant shocks. As the story progresses, the line between supernatural horror and the characters’ own fears becomes increasingly blurred.
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Are There Jump Scares in Onibaba?
There are very few traditional jump scares in Onibaba. The movie relies much more heavily on atmosphere, suspense, and unsettling imagery to create fear. There are moments that can be startling, particularly when the masked figure appears unexpectedly, but the film is not structured around sudden loud noises or conventional scare tactics. For viewers who enjoy atmospheric horror, Onibaba can be genuinely frightening, while those looking for something closer to a modern jump-scare-driven horror movie may find it more eerie than scary. Its greatest strength is the lingering sense of dread it creates, which makes the film feel increasingly nightmarish as it moves toward its disturbing conclusion.
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