BLOAT
DIRECTED & WRITTEN BY
Pablo Absento
STARRING
Ben McKenzie, Bojana Novakovic, Malcolm Fuller, Sawyer Jones, Kane Kosugi
LIONSGATE
SYNOPSIS
From a producer of Searching and Unfriended, Ben McKenzie (“Gotham”) and Bojana Novakovic (Birds of Prey) star in this chilling tale of horror and suspense. After a near-death drowning accident, a young boy’s family is horrified to discover he has become possessed by a legendary demon from the depths of the lake. As the family races against time to save the boy’s soul, the evil monster inside the child tears the family apart as it seeks to destroy everyone in its path.
One positive outcome of the pandemic was that filmmakers had to become more inventive with their productions. Many gravitated toward smaller casts and limited locations, while others experimented with non-traditional filming techniques. This isn’t a new concept (looking at you, The Blair Witch Project), but there has been a resurgence of found footage-style films in recent years. Many of these productions incorporate modern technology—Zoom calls, laptop screens, and cell phone footage—to evolve the genre.
BLOAT takes cues from its predecessors, offering an immersive, over-the-shoulder perspective as the story unfolds. Jack (Ben McKenzie), a military officer stationed in Turkey, is scheduled to take leave and vacation in Japan with his family. However, when his leave is suddenly cancelled, his wife, Hannah (Bojana Novakovic), continues the trip with their children. During a video chat, Jack witnesses a terrifying incident, his youngest child nearly drowns in a lake. As the days pass, their younger son, Kyle (Sawyer Jones), begins exhibiting strange behaviour, leading his parents to believe something is seriously wrong.
(Don’t worry—this review is spoiler-free! Not knowing is half the fun of this film.)
If you’re a fan of SEARCHING or UNFRIENDED, this film will be right up your alley. However, BLOAT sets itself apart by weaving Japanese folklore into its narrative, adding a unique layer of supernatural intrigue. The film primarily unfolds through Jack’s computer screen, which heightens the tension and showcases the strong chemistry between Ben McKenzie and Bojana Novakovic. Some of the most intense moments come from Jack’s conversations with his older son, Steve (Malcolm Fuller), which are sure to leave audiences feeling waves of anxiety.
Director Pablo Absento masterfully blends Japanese and Western horror styles. If you’re familiar with her short horror films, you’re in for a treat. The characters feel refreshingly authentic, not just typical “movie parents”, and even the children have well-developed arcs that feel true to life.
As someone familiar with the folklore explored in the film, I found the story even more compelling. However, audiences don’t need prior knowledge to appreciate it, as the film organically reveals its mythology in real-time, allowing viewers to learn alongside the characters.
A special surprise for genre fans is the appearance of Kane Kosugi, son of legendary Japanese actor Sho Kosugi. If you’ve ever watched 1980s ninja films, you’ll recognize the name. He even starred in the short-lived TV series The Master alongside Demi Moore and Lee Van Cleef. While Kosugi’s character, Ryan, isn’t central to the plot, his performance as Jack’s skilled and resourceful friend adds to the film’s overall quality.
Final Thoughts
BLOAT delivers a tense, immersive experience that seamlessly fuses found footage horror, folklore, and psychological dread. Whether you’re a fan of modern tech-based horror or supernatural thrillers, this film is well worth your time.
The only real gripe I have with the film is the ending, though it’s just a minor one. That aside, BLOAT is a top-notch horror experience that will keep audiences glued to their seats until the credits roll.
In Theaters, On Demand and On Digital March 7
