The Complex: Prologue

Synopsis

The Complex: Prologue (original title: クロユリ団地～序章～) is a 2013 Japanese psychological horror TV film directed by Hiroshi Takahashi. The story centers around Kanau Tanaka, a woman who moves into a mysterious apartment complex that is shrouded in eerie secrets and unsettling past tragedies. As Kanau navigates life in the complex, she encounters strange phenomena and confronts the chilling history hidden within its walls. Blending supernatural suspense with character-driven drama, The Complex: Prologue explores themes of fear, paranoia, and the unknown lurking beneath everyday life. The film serves as a precursor to the feature film クロユリ団地 (The Complex), setting the tone for the broader narrative that follows.

Cast

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  Kanau Tanaka

  Minoru / Shinichi Yamazaki

Reviews

The Complex: Prologue has received mixed but generally positive feedback from both critics and viewers. On IMDb, it holds a modest rating around 6.0/10, with users appreciating the atmospheric tension and psychological depth, though some criticized its pacing and limited runtime as insufficient for fully developing the story's complexity. Horror enthusiasts on forums praise the film for its eerie ambiance and thoughtful character exploration, highlighting Kanau Tanaka's compelling performance. According to Asian cinema reviewers, the film's strength lies in its psychological horror elements rather than overt scares, offering a slow-burning experience that builds unease subtly. Meanwhile, some critics from sites like Rotten Tomatoes have noted that while the prologue effectively sets up the main film's themes, it feels more like a teaser lacking standalone impact. Metacritic does not have a dedicated score for the prologue, but professional assessments acknowledge its role in enriching the overallクロユリ団地 series. Overall, The Complex: Prologue is considered a solid introduction to the franchise, recommended for fans of atmospheric and psychological horror willing to engage with a nuanced story.