If you encounter unusual occurrences, such as supernatural phenomena happening right where you live, who would you turn to? A professor at a university haunted by strange occurrences, a teacher with psychic abilities, or a group of spiritual practitioners? This question is at the heart of the film “Sadako vs. Kayako,” a crossover between two iconic horror series, “The Ring” and “The Grudge.”
It’s not surprising that, with their creativity, Japanese filmmakers have merged these two horror franchises since “The Ring” premiered in 1998. The series has developed into a six-part saga in Japan, and various remakes of “The Ring” have left a significant impact on horror audiences worldwide. Meanwhile, “The Grudge,” which debuted in 2002, has also expanded to include 11 films along with three remakes in other versions. Although the popularity of both series has waned in recent years, they remain significant entries in the global horror film genre.
The film “Sadako vs. Kayako” has also generated mixed reactions. Directed by Koji Shiraishi, it struggled to do justice to both franchises. The film was announced in the lead-up to April Fool’s Day, which led audiences to think it might be a prank.
The storyline unfolds in parallel timelines. Two students, Yuri Kurahashi (Mizuki Yamamoto) and Natsumi Ueno (Aimi Satsukawa), accidentally come across a cursed videotape associated with the ghost of Sadako Yamamura (Elly Nanami), who kills anyone who watches the tape within two days. After watching the tape, Natsumi frequently encounters supernatural events caused by Sadako, which leads to her mental deterioration. Eventually, she seeks guidance from a professor well-versed in these supernatural occurrences to find a way to survive.
On the other hand, the storyline concerning Suzuka Takagi in northern Tokyo becomes intertwined with the “Grudge” narrative after she enters a haunted house looking for lost items. Her actions awaken Kayako Saeki (Runa Endo).
The film presents a dual narrative that gives viewers the impression of watching two sequels from both horror series rather than a single cohesive film. By the end of the movie, the two narratives converge as the characters encounter each other, leading to a chaotic clash between the two ghosts, creating a thrilling yet perplexing conclusion that leaves viewers questioning what they have just seen. Is this truly the end of the story?
Despite the clever design for the characters and the engaging horror elements, the film suffers from a lack of cohesion in its narrative structure. The disjointed storytelling in “Sadako vs. Kayako” ultimately leaves fans of “The Ring” and “The Grudge” feeling disappointed by this anticipated crossover event.
