Prepare to delve into the chilling depths of the J-horror phenomenon with Sarah Appleton and Jasper Sharp’s spine-tingling documentary, The J-Horror Virus. This feature-length film uncovers the rise and spread of the hauntingly captivating Japanese supernatural thrillers that captivated audiences worldwide during the late ’90s and early ’00s. Featuring renowned directors and stars like Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Shin’ya Tsukamoto, Takashi Shimizu, Masayuki Ochiai, Mari Asato, Rie Inoo, and Takako Fuji, The J-Horror Virus explores the origins, evolution, and global impact of these chilling films, where vengeful ghosts lurk within modern technology, set against a backdrop of urban alienation and societal decay.

The documentary begins with Teruyoshi Ishii’s groundbreaking fake documentary Psychic Vision: Jaganrei (1988) and Norio Tsuruta’s influential Scary True Stories (1991/92) video series. It then traces the genre’s development through iconic titles like Hideo Nakata’s Ring (1998), Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Pulse (2001), and Takashi Shimizu’s Ju-On: The Grudge (2002). Through insightful interviews with critics and filmmakers, The J-Horror Virus dives deep into the dystopian visions and unsettling atmospheres that made these films distinct, exploring how they spread across the globe.

Sarah Appleton, known for her work on the FANGORIA Chainsaw award-nominated The Found Footage Phenomenon and the upcoming Severin Films documentary Damaged: The Very British Obscenity of David Hamilton-Grant, brings her expertise in showcasing horror subgenres. Co-director Jasper Sharp, co-founder of Midnight Eye and author of acclaimed books on Japanese cinema, adds his vast knowledge to the project, including The Midnight Eye Guide to New Japanese Film (2003), Behind the Pink Curtain: The Complete History of Japanese Sex Cinema (2008), and The Historical Dictionary of Japanese Cinema (2011).

While The J-Horror Virus is yet to announce a release date, stay tuned for more updates. Brace yourself as you watch the trailer (and beware of any eerie phone calls that may follow, for which we cannot be held responsible…).