After her father’s death, Kana returns home to care for her ailing mother. Soon, she begins experiencing vivid dreams and strange premonitions. When a dream about a high school classmate jumping in front of a train comes true, Kana’s anxiety spirals.
Her classmate’s death is only the beginning of a series of disturbing events that seem connected to her mother’s strange behaviour and her papier-mâché dolls. Is a dark curse looming over the family? Kana finds herself at her sister’s house, urgently warning her about the sinister power threatening her little nephew, Yuta.
From the opening scene, Zenzo Sakai’s debut feature establishes a hauntingly serene atmosphere. With a bright, soft colour palette and a slow, deliberate pace, the film meanders between disturbing and soothing beauty, masterfully building suspense while balancing psychological horror with family drama. Supported by strong performances, IAI offers a fascinating blend of slow-burning tension and tender emotional depth.
– kijA
Film details
- Country of production
- Japan
- Year
- 2026
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2026
- Length
- 90'
- Medium/Format
- DCP
