It’s atmospheric, it’s subtle and furthermore, it doesn’t rely on jump scares and copious amounts of bloodshed to shock its viewers. Instead, with masterful utilization of a remarkably eerie soundtrack and deliberate pacing, Shiki captures what makes a good horror series… good.
Of course, Shiki is also aware that a good horror needs more than just well-executed music and pacing. It needs good characters.
Why should I care if Bob and Joe are ripped apart by werewolves? Why should I care if little Timmy is decapitated by one swift swing of a chainsaw? Why should I care if Mary Sue trips down the stairs and impales herself on an umbrella?
These are all questions we ask when watching a subpar horror flick and Shiki takes heed to those questions.
Shiki may be void of any real character development, but in similarities to a series like Baccano, it makes up for a lack development with strong characterization giving each character a distinct role, a personality and their own set motivations. But while Baccano’s cast is remarkable for being a Hell of a lot of fun, Shiki’s cast is remarkable for the amount depth implemented within them.
It’s worth noting that Shiki isn’t really just a well-crafted horror series. It may start out like that in the beginning, but bit by bit it becomes a psychological drama delving into human morality and rationality.
Which side are you on? Humans or Shiki?
Questions regarding how far someone would go to survive, uphold justice or maintaining one’s own humanity come into play and Shiki delivers these questions with fantastic intricacy.
Its view - multifaceted and free of bias - goes beyond simply showcasing a black and white territory. It digs deep to expound on the question, grabbing perspectives from every angle, bringing in a grey area.
And never is Shiki pretentious or underwhelming. It constantly keeps the viewer both engaged with pondering over the morality of a character’s action while building up to the perfect – I’d rather not spoil it for you - ending.
Its earlier half might be deemed too slow for many, but with episode 14 comes one of the most haunting scenes in the story-telling medium and from there on out, Shiki is flawless.
No episode left me without goose bumps tracing along both my arms and no episode left me without a couple shivers down the spine. Every episode rendered me speechless and aghast. Every episode had me at the very edge of my seat.
There were impeccably wrought twists and turns around every corner. Scenes of heart-breaking brutality and merciless murders haunted me. Acts of unexpected kindness and tenderness in the worst of times hit me straight in the heart.
Shiki clicked with me in a way few other anime have; Shiki… is phenomenal.
Do I Recommend?: Without a second doubt. If you’re looking for a compelling horror series, look no further. Have some patience with the first few episodes, the pay off is well worth it. Whether it’ll leave an impact on you or not, I can’t say, but it sure as Hell did for me.
