Bloat (2025)

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Bloat (2025): A Comprehensive Exploration of the Screenlife Horror Film Rooted in Japanese Folklore

Image Source: IMP Awards 

• Title: Bloat
• Release Date: March 7, 2025
• Country: France, USA, Japan
• Genre: Horror, Supernatural, Screenlife
• Director: Pablo Absento
• Plot: A family encounters the malevolent Kappa spirit from Japanese folklore after their son is possessed following a near-drowning incident during a vacation in Japan.
• Cast:
  • Ben McKenzie as Jack Reynolds
  • Bojana Novakovic as Hannah Reynolds
  • Sawyer Jones as Kyle Reynolds
  • Malcolm Fuller as Steve Reynolds
  • Kane Kosugi as Ryan
  • Bon Koizumi as Himself (Folklore Expert)
• Production: Filmed in Japan, focusing on traditional Japanese folklore and modern screenlife horror elements.
• Marketing: Emphasized the screenlife format and the supernatural theme based on the Kappa myth.
• Reception: Mixed reviews, praised for its unique format but criticized for slow pacing and limited emotional engagement.
• Themes: Technology vs. tradition, supernatural possession, family drama.

Introduction

The horror genre has continually evolved with advancements in technology, and the emergence of the “screenlife” format in recent years has added a new dimension to storytelling. Bloat (2025), directed by Pablo Absento, capitalizes on this format while intertwining it with the deep, unsettling world of Japanese folklore. As a unique and ambitious addition to the horror landscape, the film explores the chilling tale of a family's encounter with an ancient supernatural force, the Kappa, after a tragic incident during a vacation in Japan. While employing the familiar screenlife approach, Bloat ventures into unfamiliar territory by integrating the supernatural, folklore, and modern fears of technological disconnection.

In this detailed examination, we will delve into the plot, the characters, the production process, the marketing strategy, and the reception of Bloat. We’ll also analyze the themes the film explores, the cultural relevance of the Kappa mythology, and its place within the broader context of horror films that merge technology and myth.

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Plot Overview and Detailed Analysis

Bloat begins with the idyllic setting of a family vacation to Japan. Jack Reynolds, a U.S. Marine stationed overseas, is unable to join his wife Hannah and their two children, Steve and Kyle, due to a sudden deployment order. Hannah and the boys travel to Japan to unwind and immerse themselves in the country's rich culture. However, a horrific event changes the course of their trip when young Kyle nearly drowns in a tranquil lake near Mount Fuji. Although Kyle survives the incident, his behavior rapidly becomes erratic and disturbing.

At first, Kyle’s strange actions seem like the result of trauma, but as time passes, they become more unsettling. The boy develops an unusual obsession with cucumbers, a food traditionally associated with the Kappa in Japanese folklore, and begins acting out violently. His once innocent demeanor transforms into something darker, and his interactions with water become increasingly bizarre. Kyle’s disturbing obsession with water, the moon, and his growing aggression convince his family that something supernatural is at work.

As Jack remains distant, trying to navigate his responsibilities as a Marine, he stays in communication with his wife through video calls. Eventually, after consulting various experts, they come to believe that Kyle is possessed by a Kappa, a malevolent water spirit from Japanese mythology. This marks the beginning of a race against time to save their son, which leads them on a desperate journey to uncover the truth behind Kyle’s transformation. With the help of folklore expert Bon Koizumi, the family learns more about the Kappa legend, including rituals that might exorcise the demon that has taken hold of Kyle.

The plot of Bloat takes the viewer through a terrifying exploration of how ancient myths can infiltrate modern life, aided by the technological screens that connect the characters. What starts as a family drama quickly escalates into a supernatural thriller, with both horror and emotional stakes rising simultaneously. The film’s narrative structure ensures that the tension never ceases, as Jack and Hannah grapple with their disbelief and fear while trying to save their son from the powerful grip of an ancient evil.

Deep Dive into the Screenlife Format

One of the most distinctive aspects of Bloat is its use of the screenlife format. This storytelling technique, popularized by films like Searching and Unfriended, presents the entire narrative through digital screens. In Bloat, this format is used to magnify the emotional isolation of the characters, particularly Jack, who is unable to physically intervene and protect his family. The screenlife format also intensifies the viewer’s sense of intrusion, as we witness the unfolding horror from a voyeuristic perspective, peering into the lives of the family via webcams, security cameras, and phone screens.

In the early part of the film, Jack communicates with his family through video calls, but this technological mediation quickly proves to be inadequate when things begin to unravel. As Kyle’s behavior becomes more bizarre, the limited nature of the digital communication becomes painfully apparent. The audience is trapped in this same technological bubble, distanced from the horror but unable to escape it. This disconnection is a key thematic element in the film — the idea that while technology connects us, it also alienates us from the real world, and when faced with supernatural forces, even our most advanced devices are powerless.

Absento uses the format to its full potential by weaving suspense through phone calls, livestreams, and social media posts. The sense of powerlessness is compounded by the characters’ reliance on technology, which ultimately fails to help them understand or confront the entity haunting Kyle. The film’s climax, which involves a traditional ritual, stands in stark contrast to the pervasive use of technology throughout the rest of the film, highlighting a deep cultural conflict between modernity and tradition.

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The Cast and Characters: Bringing the Horror to Life

The cast of Bloat brings a range of talent to the film, with each actor giving depth to their respective characters. The performances are particularly compelling, given the film’s reliance on screens as the primary means of communication. The emotional weight of the story is carried largely by the actors, whose faces — often illuminated by the glow of screens — convey the terror, confusion, and desperation that the characters experience.

• Ben McKenzie as Jack Reynolds: McKenzie, known for his roles in The O.C. and Gotham, plays the father figure, Jack, a Marine who is stationed overseas. His performance is marked by an underlying sense of guilt and helplessness, as he struggles to protect his family from afar. His interactions with Hannah, primarily conducted through video calls, highlight his emotional distance, both physical and psychological. His journey from skepticism to desperation forms a core part of the emotional backbone of the film.

• Bojana Novakovic as Hannah Reynolds: Novakovic, who has appeared in Shameless and The Little Death, plays Jack’s wife, Hannah. Her performance as a mother trying to understand the increasingly bizarre behavior of her son is both heartbreaking and unsettling. Novakovic excels at portraying the exhaustion and fear that comes with witnessing the deterioration of a loved one, and her character’s emotional breakdown in the final act is one of the film’s most powerful moments.

• Sawyer Jones as Kyle Reynolds: Jones portrays Kyle, the young boy whose near-drowning sets off the events of the film. As Kyle becomes more possessed by the Kappa, Jones’s portrayal of the character evolves from innocent curiosity to sinister malevolence. His unsettling behavior, including his obsession with water and cucumbers, creates a chilling atmosphere as the audience realizes that something is wrong with him.

• Malcolm Fuller as Steve Reynolds: Fuller plays Steve, the older brother, who serves as a secondary protagonist. Steve’s increasing concern for his brother adds a layer of complexity to the family dynamic. His character is crucial in the film’s final act, where he helps his mother attempt the exorcism, solidifying the family’s collective determination to save Kyle.

• Kane Kosugi as Ryan: Kosugi plays Ryan, Jack’s friend, and fellow Marine who assists the family in their search for answers. His role as a supportive figure brings a sense of camaraderie and trust to the film, serving as the bridge between the American characters and the Japanese folklore expert, Bon Koizumi.

• Bon Koizumi as Himself: Bon Koizumi, a real-life folklore expert, portrays himself in the film, adding an authentic touch to the film’s exploration of Japanese mythology. His character provides much-needed insight into the Kappa and suggests possible solutions to the family's dilemma.

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Production: Bringing Japanese Folklore to Life

Bloat is a co-production between France, the United States, and Japan, combining talents from three diverse filmmaking cultures. The decision to film in Japan was crucial, as the story’s central element — the Kappa myth — is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Filming took place in various locations across Japan, including Tokyo and the rural landscapes near Mount Fuji, where the family’s lake incident occurs.

The production adhered to traditional Japanese horror film practices, with a particular focus on atmosphere. Director Pablo Absento, a filmmaker with a deep appreciation for Japanese mythology, ensured that the folklore was accurately represented. The team also consulted experts on the Kappa to ensure that the film remained respectful of the culture and its traditions.

One of the most significant challenges of production was the film’s screenlife format. Shooting in this style required innovative solutions to capture scenes entirely through digital screens. The production team made use of practical effects and digital compositing to create the eerie atmosphere of the film. The use of screenlife in a horror context also required careful planning to build suspense and tension, making it difficult to rely on traditional horror tropes like jump scares or visual effects.

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Marketing and Release Strategy

Lionsgate handled the distribution of Bloat, releasing the film in theaters and on digital platforms on March 7, 2025. The marketing campaign centered around the film’s unique format and its connection to Japanese mythology, which piqued the interest of horror fans and folklore enthusiasts alike. Trailers emphasized the eerie atmosphere and the psychological tension created by the screenlife approach.

Promotional material also featured imagery of water, cucumbers, and the Kappa, appealing to those intrigued by Japanese horror and folklore. The campaign targeted both fans of traditional horror films and those looking for a fresh, technology-driven take on the genre.

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Reception: Critical and Audience Response

Upon release, Bloat garnered mixed to negative reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 25% approval rating based on 12 reviews, with many critics expressing disappointment in the execution of the screenlife format. While the concept was praised for its originality, many found the execution lacking, with some feeling that the film’s slow pace and reliance on digital screens hindered its emotional impact.

Metacritic reported a score of 40 out of 100, indicating generally unfavorable reviews. Critics appreciated the film’s attempt to blend modern technology with ancient folklore but criticized its inability to fully engage the audience on an emotional level. Some found the screenlife format to be more distracting than immersive, arguing that it failed to build enough tension to support the supernatural elements.

Despite these critiques, the film has found a niche audience. Horror fans who appreciate more experimental storytelling methods have praised the film for its unique take on possession horror, and its exploration of Japanese culture and mythology. Some viewers also admired the performances, particularly those of Novakovic and Jones, who both delivered standout performances in a challenging genre.

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Themes and Cultural Significance

Bloat explores several significant themes, including:

• The Clash Between Tradition and Technology: One of the central themes of the film is the tension between modern technology and traditional belief systems. The film’s reliance on screens and digital communication reflects the alienation that comes with technological advancements,

Image Source: IMP Awards