Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre (2023) s01e01 Episode Script

1
[hip-hop music]
[eerie music]
"THE STRANGE HIKIZURI SIBLINGS"
BIG BROTHER
KAZUYA HIKIZURI (19)
Well, then, everyone. I'll be on my way.
BIG SISTER
KINAKO HIKIZURI (18)
Do your best! Work as hard today
as you did yesterday, big brother.
MIDDLE BROTHER
SHIGORO (16)
No need to worry. Kazuya works hard every
day for our sake, and we appreciate it!
MIDDLE SISTER
NARUMI (14)
An elite at a large insurance company.
So admirable!
It's so tedious to have to see him off
like this every single day.
LITTLE BROTHER
HITOSHI (10)
He deserves it. He's amazing.
LITTLE SISTER
MISAKO (8)
[giggling]
[Kazuya chuckles] Misako's too young.
She doesn't know what this is about.
Oh, she does too, right?
Come on now, say your thanks.
[Kazuya] Enough.
It's really not necessary.
I'm just fulfilling my natural duties
as the oldest son.
Right. Time to see him off properly!
[Shigoro] Ready?
[all] Have a good day, big brother!
DANGER! DEEP LAKE
STAY BEHIND THE FENCE
[Kazuya] They're all so easygoing
'cause they don't know anything.
Our Hikizuri family has a large
inheritance, so we don't have to work.
For the sake of my cute little siblings,
I'm setting a good example
as a responsible role model.
[soft clicking and whirring]
[growls]
[clicking and whirring]
[shakily] Hmm
- [footsteps]
- [Kazuya clears throat]
Huh?
Pardon me.
Are you photographing the scenery?
Actually, I'm not. This is
This is spirit photography.
- Spirit photography?
- [woman] That's right.
Several children have
drowned in this pond,
so I thought I might catch
something supernatural on film.
[Kazuya] Ohhh. Interested
in phenomena like that, are you?
[woman] Feel free to laugh at me.
Why would I laugh? I find the paranormal
a subject of endless fascination.
By the way, miss. What is your name?
Sachiyo. So you're into this too, huh?
Yes. I even live in a mansion that has
a bit of a strange spiritual aura to it.
My dear Miss Sachiyo,
would you like to see it?
- I'm sure you'll get a good photograph.
- Hmm.
[chuckles] Apologies
for the late introduction.
My name is Kazuya Hikizuri.
[machinery clanking]
So, what do you think?
A likely spot for spirits to appear, yes?
It certainly looks like
a place with spiritual aura.
[gasps]
Let me show you around back.
[gasps shakily]
[shutter clicks]
[Kazuya] These are the graves
where our parents were laid to rest.
Father was quite dignified,
and Mother was a very kind person.
- We take pride in taking excellent care
- Well, hello there!
It's so very nice to meet you,
Miss Sachiyo.
Goodness, what a beautiful person you are.
[Sachiyo] Oh Th thank you?
[Kazuya splutters]
[Shigoro] Allow me to be your guide.
Ah! Where are my manners?
My name is Shigoro.
- [giggles]
- [clears throat]
Miss Sachiyo, would you like
to come inside for a cup of tea?
I only came
to take pictures of the garden,
so I'll be taking my leave shortly.
- [both] Huh?
- [Shigoro giggles]
And this is where we buried
the second daughter's boyfriend.
He died quite suddenly
from a heart attack. Tragic.
- [giggles]
- [Misako] We wrapped him up!
- [Sachiyo] Huh?
- [Shigoro] Oh, no, no, no!
That was just a joke. A joke!
- [growls]
- [Misako laughing]
[owl hooting]
[grunting and slurping]
- [Shigoro] Mmm! Oh! Mmm!
- [growling]
[Kazuya] Hey! Shigoro!
Huh? What is it, big brother?
Could you at least try
to eat more gracefully?
You're unpleasant to watch!
Huh? Meanie! I've always been like this.
- What's the problem now?
- Just shut up and do as I say!
[wails]
Look what you did!
Misako's crying because of your yelling.
No, that's not it. Misako's crying
because she longs for her mother.
You mentioned our parents' graves
this afternoon, remember?
[scoffs] She's noisy.
Do something about it, Kinako.
I don't want to.
Why don't you do something, Shigoro?
What? Me? No way, I'm not her mom!
I think Narumi should take care of it.
After all, you look the most like our mom.
I have zero interest in that.
Why do I have to become Misako's mother?
- Hitoshi!
- [gasps]
- [Narumi] You need to cheer her up.
- [Shigoro] Yeah! It's Hitoshi's job.
- [Shigoro] Cheer her up.
- [Kinako] Hurry up.
- [Misako sobbing]
- Uh
[sighs] Okay
Misako, just calm down.
Listen, Mom and Dad went to heaven,
so we can't see them anymore, okay?
You understand, right?
- [screams] Lies!
- [gasps]
I can totally see Mommy!
I just have to believe!
- [whimpering]
- [Misako crying]
[both wailing]
- [both screaming]
- [Shigoro chomping]
What an idiot.
- By the way, Shigoro.
- Huh?
Just to be clear, you said that Narumi
looked like Mom the most out of all of us.
- Did you not?
- I did. Is something wrong with that?
[Kinako] Is that a not-so-subtle way
of saying you think
I look like Dad the most of all of us?
[Shigoro] Huh?
You heard me. You're insinuating
I'm some kind of ugly excuse for a woman
that looks like her father,
isn't that right?
- No, not true!
- Liar!
You think I'm an ugly, mannish woman
who's more troll than human!
- You're delusional. I said no such thing.
- [snarls] I'm delusional?
You're putting words in my mouth.
All I said was Narumi looks like Mom.
- Right, Kazuya?
- [Kinako growls]
No. It's only natural that Kinako's angry.
You are an insensitive guy, Shigoro!
This passive attitude shows a lack of
consideration for how other people feel.
You look like Dad too!
You can't talk about Kinako like that!
So long as everything is fine for you,
you don't give a damn about other people!
- That's why you're so fat and flabby!
- Big brother, that's so awful!
Shut up! Stop whining. Act like an adult.
You're such a worthless nobody!
Don't change the subject!
Answer my question from before, Shigoro!
- [Shigoro] Why would you say such a thing?
- [sighs] You're all hopeless.
I've had enough of this for one day.
I'm going to sleep.
- Good night.
- [Shigoro whimpering]
Shigoro, why are you sobbing
at something so trivial?
The men in this family never cry.
No matter the situation, muscle through it
and act as a pillar of strength.
That is what being a man is all about!
You're worthless scum and a disgrace
to every last man in this family!
So cruel. So mean!
I've had enough, big bro!
- I'm gonna go sleep now!
- Hmph!
- [Shigoro wailing]
- What's wrong?
[Kinako] Hey, listen.
Maybe you were a little too hard on him.
[scoffs] It's fine. I've wanted to tell it
to him to his face for a while now.
[breathing softly]
[Kazuya] I've been thinking.
Let's have Misako see our parents.
[Kinako] Huh? How so?
We're gonna summon the dead.
By that, I mean we'll have a séance.
One to summon the spirits
of our dear departed parents.
What are you saying?
Is such a thing possible?
We won't know unless we try.
But I believe it's entirely possible.
I'm sure I have dormant spiritual powers.
I just need to wake them up.
And a séance needs a witness, so
I would like to invite Miss Sachiyo.
- What do you think?
- [Kinako] I see.
So that's the real objective here,
huh, big brother?
[Kazuya] What? Don't be stupid!
Oh, wow. Amazing.
Every one of these photographs
contains some kind of spirit.
This one, especially.
The thing behind this child's back
Hmm
- [doorbell rings]
- [gasps]
Who who is it?
Good evening. Sorry to bother so late.
I'm Kinako Hikizuri.
[gasps]
Hold a sec, let me get the door.
How did you know I was here?
[giggles] Because my big brother
secretly followed you.
Uh, anyway, enough about that.
I have something to ask of you.
Uh
[Sachiyo] A séance, you say?
[Kinako] Yes, that's right.
And we would definitely
like you to participate as our witness.
Intriguing. Perhaps I should go.
Great! We'll be waiting for you!
[owl hooting]
[grumbling]
Miss Sachiyo. Who is this?
Mr. Sawano, my boyfriend.
He's in college as a physics major.
And he's really into spiritual phenomena,
so I brought him along.
Hey, there.
I'm looking forward to the séance.
Ah, I see. That's perfectly fine.
The more witnesses, the better, I think.
Now, then. Follow me, if you don't mind.
[mumbles]
[Kazuya] Let's begin the séance
hosted by the Hikizuri family.
I, Kazuya Hikizuri,
will act as the medium.
From this point forward,
I ask that everyone remain silent.
Any interruption to my concentration
[Misako cackling]
I'm so happy! I'm so happy!
I'm so happy! [laughing loudly]
[groans] She's distracting me.
- One of you needs to shut her up.
- [Misako] I'm so happy!
- Hmm?
- [both] Hitoshi!
[whimpers]
[laughs]
Hey. Hey, Misako, keep it down, please.
[stops laughing] What?
[growls]
[Hitoshi screaming]
[fighting continues]
[Hitoshi sobbing]
FATHER: GOZO
MOTHER: MASUE
Zoleil kaibaza deiogdera.
Use my body as your container
to call back the spirits
of my dearly departed parents.
Hmm?
[grumbling]
[groaning]
[all gasp]
[grunting]
[wails]
[yelling]
[whimpering]
[moaning]
Look, it's ectoplasm!
Maybe it's going to be used to shapeshift
into the guise of your parents!
It's called materialization!
[retching]
[growling]
I am Gozo, and I've come
from the afterlife to see my children!
Hello, my precious sons and daughters.
I trust you're doing well?
- [girls gasp]
- It's our father.
Our father's spirit
has taken over Shigoro's body!
Kazuya. Kazuya, where are you?
- Dad! Here! I'm right here!
- [gasps]
It's me. It's Kazuya.
Kazuya, tell me the truth now.
Are you taking good care
of your brothers and sisters?
Yeah, of course I am.
- Don't lie to me!
- [yelps]
You pretend to go to work,
but you're secretly goofing off
all the time, aren't you?
Huh? What?
You don't act like a big brother, and
think you're better than your siblings!
Dad, that's a misunderstanding.
Listen to what I have to say.
You have no right
to be the head of the family!
From now on,
Shigoro will be running things!
Dad, please.
Forgive me! I'm so sorry!
- Hikizuri men don't cry!
- [whimpers]
[sobbing]
[wails]
I'm getting the hell out
of this stupid house!
- [running footsteps]
- [wailing]
[door opens and closes]
[Shigoro groaning]
[panting]
Please, Father. Say something!
Uh
What happened to me?
- [Kinako] What?
- [Narumi] You're already back to yourself?
[Kinako] Father's spirit
was possessing you.
[Narumi] Big brother Kazuya
ran away from home.
[Shigoro] Huh? Seriously?
So this is ectoplasm.
- [Misako shrieking]
- [both gasp]
What is it? What's wrong, Misako?
Look over there.
This doesn't mean they're gone for good.
Someday, that pile of ectoplasm
might turn into Mother.
Huh? Really?
- [grunts]
- [Misako laughing]
Yay! Hooray!
Miss Sachiyo, I think I'm done for.
It seems I have powers as a medium.
If you would like, you can study me,
and I can continue helping you
with your spiritual research.
[giggles]
[dog barking]
- [Sawano sighs] That was a lot to take in.
- [Sachiyo] Yeah.
Yet I managed to obtain
a precious sample back there.
A sample?
Yeah, of that ectoplasm.
I brought a pinch back with me.
Okay, but why?
I'll use the college lab
to analyze all its components.
Thanks to this, perhaps we'll be able
to figure out what ectoplasm actually is.
- [Kazuya] Hitoshi. Stand aside.
- [gasps]
- You heard me! I said, stand aside!
- [whimpers]
Go to hell, you crusty old shitbag!
[yells]
[Kazuya gasping]
Hmm. Serves you right, Dad.
Hitoshi.
[Misako] Hey, Mommy!
Hey! Come out, come out,
wherever you are! Hurry!
Mommy! Come out and
- Hey, Kinako, I'd like some tea.
- [grunts]
So get up and go make me some.
Hurry up! I'm the master of the house.
- Dad personally appointed me.
- Sure. Right away.
Man, my shoulders are feeling tense.
Hey, Narumi, massage them for me.
I mean now!
[groans]
And Hitoshi, you massage my feet.
Hey, Hitoshi! Are you listening? Let's go!
What's with that face? When I give you
an order, you need to get up and do it.
You hear me?
[growls]
Damn you!
Do it! Do it! Do it!
- Do it!
- [whimpers]
- [Shigoro sighs]
- [Kazuya gasps]
- Hmm?
- [whimpers]
What, big brother?
You don't have to stand there.
- Come on inside.
- Sure
[Misako] Come out, Mommy! I wanna see you!
Kinako, what is Misako doing in there?
She's calling to the other side
for Mom's spirit.
- [clears throat]
- [both gasp]
Listen up, everybody.
Tomorrow night, I would like to hold
another séance here in the house.
Of course, I will be the medium.
And I would like to have Miss Sachiyo
as our witness once again.
- Hey, Kazuya.
- Huh?
Go tell her and make it snappy.
[whimpers]
[Shigoro] Make sure that Sawano guy
doesn't tag along. He gets in the way.
[Sawano] I figured out
what that substance was.
Well, don't keep me in suspense.
- The result surprised me a bit.
- Yeah?
That ectoplasm turned out
to be wheat flour.
For real? Wheat flour?
In other words,
that bizarre group of siblings duped us.
I don't know what the point was.
- But that was a sham of a séance.
- Wow.
- [doorbell rings]
- [both gasp]
- [Sachiyo] What is it?
- Oh!
I'm here to let you know that we decided
to hold another séance tomorrow night.
We were hoping you'd do the honors
of being our witness once again.
- Whoa!
- Listen, I don't know what you're up to.
But I have no intention of attending
another fake séance, thank you!
You and your wheat flour ectoplasm
will have to find someone else.
All you siblings can sit around
eating udon together in peace!
- Never come again!
- [gasps]
Huh?
[Misako screeching]
What, Misako? You're so noisy.
You're a liar! This lump of crap
won't ever change into Mommy!
It's all hard and moldy now! Look at it!
Please take it easy! That round
is probably just past its due date.
We'll hold another séance, okay?
I'm certain Mom will show up.
Huh? For real?
For really-real? Is that true?
- Well, yeah, of course it's true.
- [Misako] Yay!
- [Kazuya growls] Hey, Shigoro.
- [yelps]
Uh, big brother,
didn't know you were here.
How dare you try to
make a damned fool out of me!
- What are you talking about?
- Don't play dumb, you bastard!
You weren't possessed with Dad's spirit
at all! It was a sham!
[whimpers]
[grunting]
I! I am Gozo!
[groans]
[moans] Wait a sec, big brother.
Please, calm down.
Aren't you afraid of Dad at all?
No, you moron! I was never afraid
of the old man to begin with.
You didn't know about that
and got carried away.
- Die!
- [Shigoro wailing]
Please help me!
Look, if you're gonna kill someone,
kill him instead.
You're a loser, Shigoro. I'll kill you!
- [snarls]
- [wails]
[Kazuya] Hitoshi, get out of the way.
Hurry up and get lost.
What's with that look, Hitoshi?
[gasps]
[unsettling music]
- Look! It's Father!
- It's Dad! He's come back!
[all screaming]
They're so noisy. What is it?
[all whimpering]
[screaming]
- Wait, big brother
- [wails]
[all screaming]
[all breathing shakily]
[whines]
[rustling]
[all gasp]
What is it? Is something wrong?
[all screaming]
[Shigoro] Don't come near me!
[cheerful pop music]
[man] I finally felt
something was strange.
A dark hole.
A sweet scent filling the room.
I must write down what's going on
in front of my eyes,
or at some point,
people will say that I am the strange one.
But I have no paper.
I don't have a pen, either.
I scraped the tip of my finger
against the splintered wall.
Oh wait, there's some red ink here now.