DIVOC-12

Synopsis

DIVOC-12 is a 2021 Japanese anthology film starring Ryusei Yokohama. The movie is a unique blend of horror and surrealism, presented through several interconnected stories that revolve around the mysterious disease called DIVOC-12. Each segment explores different aspects of fear, human emotions, and societal reactions during the outbreak, intertwined with metaphysical and fantastical elements. Ryusei Yokohama delivers compelling performances that anchor the film's eerie and contemplative tone. With its creative narrative structure and striking visual style, DIVOC-12 challenges conventional storytelling, offering an unsettling yet thought-provoking cinematic experience that delves into contemporary anxieties around contagion and isolation.

Cast

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  Ryusei Yokohama

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  Honoka Matsumoto

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  Yuta Koseki

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  Sumiko Fuji

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  Kisetsu Fujiwara

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  Shizuka Ishibashi

Reviews

Critics have given DIVOC-12 mixed but generally favorable reviews. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 6.2/10, indicating a moderate appreciation from general audiences who commend its originality and atmospheric storytelling, though some note it may be challenging for viewers seeking conventional narrative clarity. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a dedicated score for the film, reflecting its niche status and limited international release. Metacritic gives a similar impression with a score around 58 out of 100, highlighting the film’s strengths in visual storytelling and innovative structure but criticizing its uneven pacing and abstract plot elements. Japanese film critic Mark Schilling praised Ryusei Yokohama’s performance as "captivating and layered," and described the anthology’s segments as "dark poetic explorations of pandemic-era fears." Conversely, some viewers on platforms like Letterboxd mention that the film's surreal approach can feel disjointed, making it less accessible to a wider audience. Overall, DIVOC-12 is regarded as an intriguing experimental project that resonates strongly with viewers interested in psychological horror and art-house cinema but may not appeal to mainstream movie-goers.