One of the most notorious J-horror films ever made, Takashi Miike’s (returning this week with First Love) Audition exploded onto the festival circuit at the turn of the century to a chorus of awards and praise. The film would catapult Miike to the international scene and pave the way for other such genre delights as Ichii the Killer and The Happiness of the Katakuris. Back on the dating scene after many years, recent widower Shigharu is looking to remarry. He holds a series of “auditions” for a new wife, and after interviewing a series of women, he becomes enchanted by Asami, a quiet, 24-year-old woman, who is immediately responsive to his charms. But soon things take a very dark and twisted turn as we find that Asami isn’t what she seems to be . . . Pulling the audience into a story that will lead to one of the most harrowing climaxes in cinema history, Miike twists and turns us through delirious editing and shocking visuals for one of the most depraved nightmares of all time. BBFC Certified 18 - Contains scenes of strong psychological horror and gore ★★★★★ An outstanding, terrifying horror picture" - Kim Newman, Empire ★★★★★ "A stomach-turning masterpiece" - Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian