Gehenna: Where Death Lives – A Spooky Tale

Ah, where to start with “Gehenna: Where Death Lives”? This flick’s a real spooky ride, full of twists and turns that left me both entertained and scratching my head. Directed by Hiroshi Katagiri, who’s been doing amazing special effects for years in Hollywood, but not as a director – a bold move, I guess? And ya never know what you’re gonna get when an effects guy steps in to direct.

First off, Doug Jones shows up, and you know when Doug’s involved, things are gonna get strange – as they often do. You remember him, right? The guy’s a chameleon. But I swear, it’s like he’s whispering to himself, “one more monster role, Doug, just one more.” But that’s part of the charm!

The film plops you on this beautiful – yet creepy – island with a company team looking for new resort grounds. The contrast is mental. Imagine standing on Tofta Strand on Gotland, but in the back of your mind you’re thinking, “How long ’til I get spooked here?” Akané, who struck me with her steely nerves in all that chaotic mayhem, really made you root for her.

Katagiri does a pretty nifty job at setting an eerie mood, using shadows and dark corners – like those weird tunnels you find in Stockholm’s underground. But sometimes, it felt like he couldn’t decide if he was making a horror film or trying to explain our worst fears, which can get a bit muddled.

Remembering a camping trip from my youth, I couldn’t help but think of this film. The haunting sounds at night, just a cracking branch, would set our imaginations wild. This film kinda revived that feeling, albeit not perfectly.

If you’re into creepy atmospheres and can forgive a bit of scattered storytelling, this might be your cup of coffee – or as us Swedes would have it, a proper cup of ‘fika’.

Check the trailer below