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Stare

Name: Stare
Director: Otsuichi
Released: 2020
Duration: 98 min

Representation Score

6.9/10

Good

2020

Director

Otsuichi

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Stare adopts a psychological approach to horror that emphasizes character's ability to drive the story over mindless spectacle. By making Mizuki the intellectual driver of the mystery, the film sidesteps typical damsel-in-distress clichés. However, the film's diversity is constrained by its narrow focus. The absence of LGBTQ+ representation and the reliance on physical trauma as a horror tool indicate a narrative that adheres to traditional genre conventions. While the film excels in providing a strong female lead, it falls short in achieving a broader range of diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Stare have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships. The story focuses on a mystery involving Mizuki and Haruo without any clear queer undertones.

How does Stare portray gender?

Fair

Mizuki is portrayed as an active protagonist who drives the investigation alongside Haruo, challenging typical horror stereotypes about women.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Stare?

Fair

As a Japanese production, the film reflects a specific cultural context. There is no whitewashing, but the cast lacks explicit multi-ethnic diversity.

How does Stare represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story delves into existential dread and the collapse of rational systems through the mystery of 'Shirai-san.' It emphasizes subjective experience over traditional empirical views.

Does Stare include disability representation?

Limited

Physical trauma, such as damaged eyes, serves primarily as a horror element. The film does not explore lived experiences with disability or provide meaningful character-driven ability to act.

Present on Screen

Mizuki actively investigates the supernatural mystery, demonstrating strong women's ability to drive the story.
The narrative avoids traditional horror clichés by emphasizing psychological depth and the breakdown of rational stability.

Limited or Absent

The film uses physical trauma and bodily dysfunction primarily as a horror spectacle, lacking nuanced exploration of disability.
There is a noticeable absence of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationship dynamics within the story.

Official Synopsis

Dead bodies with eyeballs ruptured are continuously found. Their direct causes of death are heart attacks and they acted like they were possessed right before their deaths. Mizuki is a university student. Her friend dies in front of her. Meanwhile, Haruo’s younger brother dies. Mizuki and Haruo begin to investigate together. They learn that Eiko holds a key to the mystery. Soon, Eiko's eyeballs rupture and she dies by a heart attack. Before she dies, she mentions the word "Shirai-san.”

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