Uzumaki episode 4 review: An underwhelming adaptation of a majestic horror tale concludes

Modified Oct 23, 2024 08:04 GMT

Shuichi, Kirie, and Chie as seen in the Uzumaki anime (Image via Drive & Akatsuki)

In Uzumaki episode 4, which aired on October 20, 2024, marked the end of the horror miniseries.While previous episodes showcased various unsettling elements, this finale showed the grandest form of the spiral curse yet. Despite being hailed as the most successful anime adaptation of Junji Ito's work, the series also left fans feeling let down.

In the previous episode, Kirie had returned home from the hospital after enduring a series of bizarre events that nearly cost her life. As the story continued, her situation exacerbated as a typhoon, a neighbor and even a corpse became obsessed with her. The final episode depicts a Kurouzu that, despite being battered by multiple typhoons, is rebuilt by its residents, but it ultimately leads to the fulfillment of the spiral curse.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.

Uzumaki episode 4 review: The anime ends for good, but the curse persists

Uzumaki episode 4 review: The pacing is finally fixed

Mitsuo as seen in Uzumaki (Image via Drive & Akatsuki)

The series has faced criticism for its approach of putting various plotlines together without cohesion. However, the final episode stands out for its linear narrative, closely following the concluding sequence of events from the manga it adapts, primarily focusing on Kirie and Shuichi. Their attempts to escape ultimately pull them deeper inside the spiral, as that's the essence of the spiral curse.

In this context, Uzumaki episode 4 effectively captures the unfolding events. While certain elements from the manga had to be left out, the episode does not create a sense that something is missing for the viewers. Moreover, this episode is the longest in the miniseries, running slightly over thirty minutes, which allows for a more relaxed storytelling.

Uzumaki episode 4 review: Improved visuals, yet still mediocre

People eating snail-people meat in Uzumaki (Image via Drive & Akatsuki)

One of the aspects that has fascinated and attracted fans of Junji Ito's work, while also leading to considerable disappointment, is the animation style and quality. After the initial episode, there was a noticeable drop in quality.

However, Uzumaki episode 4 has made improvements in this department, even if it still doesn't quite reach the level of the first episode. There are times when the animation is inconsistent, with noticeable differences in style from one shot to the next. Moreover, some scenes are simply still images.

Uzumaki episode 4 review: A disappointing climax

The spiral city as seen in the Uzumaki anime (Image via Drive & Akatsuki)

The storytelling is closely tied to the animation quality, and some of the moments that could have been unsettling in Uzumaki episode 4 ended up feeling lackluster.

That's especially evident in scenes like Mitsuo's transformation into a snail, where people chase him with the intention of consuming him. Kirie and others who try to escape with him lack urgency, as they seem to be walking briskly rather than desperately fleeing. Similarly, when Chie becomes trapped in the row houses and is fated to join the twisted inhabitants, the depiction falls short of conveying the necessary emotional weight.

Finally, Uzumaki episode 4 is disappointing in how it presents the conclusion; the representation of the sublime spiral city lacks the intensity required, rendering the climactic moments of the anime almost ineffective. That's especially unfortunate, as viewers typically expect an anime adaptation to elevate the source material. However, the epilogue is a nice touch, illustrating how the curse will continue to repeat.

Final thoughts

The beginning of a new cycle in the Uzumaki anime (Image via Drive & Akatsuki)

Uzumaki episode 4 marks the conclusion of one of the most highly anticipated anime of the season. While there are both strengths and weaknesses in the series, the shortcomings ultimately overshadow the strengths. It remains a fact that the initial episode set a high standard, and that should raise hopes for better adaptations of Junji Ito's works in the future.