My last encounter with the vampire genre left a lot to be desired. Apprehension aside, I gave Shiki (Corpse Demon) a shot in the dark after hearing nothing but praise. And it paid off. In one disturbingly gritty stroke, the vampire genre has been resurrected, more ghoulish than ever before.
Shiki is set in a small, deserted location, the village of Sotobamura, with 1300 residents approximately. The initial sense of isolation is low key, yet enough to put the viewer on guard. Each episode becomes increasingly rhythmic with suspense, as the vampiric grasp over the community steadily tightens. Nevertheless the majority remain blissfully unaware of the threat despite the rapid surge of unexpected deaths. Just sheer genius. But of course this doesn't last. Mob rule quickly descends once the truth is revealed, its absolutely chilling to watch the nice, neat, normal characters clinically introduced throughout the series turn on family members and friends alike. Ruthless and brutal anarchy at its finest.
In addition I really liked Shiki's unprecedented portrayal of vampires. First of all, it was pot luck as whether victims would decay or rise again. This was a superb idea. It was such a simple yet fresh twist that played perfectly into the notion that death doesn't discriminate as cited by head vampire, Sunako. Secondly the diversity between newly turned vampires was remarkable. Most embraced their new identities with a cruel glee while others tried desperately to fight against it. In many ways Shiki is every bit a tragedy as it is a horror.
Its worth mentioning that the true intention of Sunako is not to massacre the village but to create a safe and secluded haven for her kind. It is this childish innocence that makes Sunako want to be accepted rather then hated which redeems her character as a tragic heroine rather than a straightforward monster.
As a whole, Shiki is relentlessly good. It literally never misses a beat. Severely recommended.
Rating: 8.5/10
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