Uzumaki - Episode 1 Review

Uzumaki Episode 1 delivers exactly what you’d expect from a Junji Ito adaptation: bone-chilling atmosphere, unsettling visuals, and a creeping sense of dread. But amidst all the horror, there’s one moment that took me by surprise: Kirie’s utterly adorable winking. After Shuichi explains how his father’s eyes have started moving independently, in a scene filled with eerie tension, Kirie’s response is to wink back and forth in a way that’s so unexpectedly cute, it briefly breaks the darkness. It’s the kind of tonal shift that’s both disarming and brilliant, adding a layer of surrealism to the horror.

It’s funny how a simple, playful gesture like winking stands out so much in a show that’s otherwise packed with creeping terror. The unsettling visuals of spirals lurking everywhere and Shuichi’s disturbing revelations should have kept us in a state of constant unease, but Kirie’s innocent reaction grounds the episode in a very human moment. It’s that small touch that makes you remember she’s just a girl caught in something much bigger, much weirder than she realizes.

The Creepy Atmosphere

Let’s talk about the core of the episode: the atmosphere. Uzumaki doesn’t waste time setting up the unsettling mood. From the black-and-white animation that mirrors the original manga’s aesthetic to the sparse but effective sound design, everything feels like it’s pulling you deeper into a spiraling nightmare. The choice to keep the visuals monochrome was a stroke of genius—it strips away the comfort that color might bring and makes every spiral, every twist, feel more otherworldly.

The animation itself, particularly the subtle rotoscoping, gives the characters an uncanny movement that perfectly matches the unsettling vibe. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it, but by the end, it felt like the perfect approach for this story. It’s off-putting, in the best way possible, making you feel like there’s always something slightly wrong, something you can’t quite place.

The Music and Sound Design

The sound design in Uzumaki is nothing short of phenomenal. From the eerie bass synths that rumble in the background to the moments of complete silence that amplify the tension, the audio does a fantastic job of pulling you deeper into the horror. The unsettling score feels organic, as if it’s part of the town itself, feeding the sense of dread that grows with each passing minute. There’s also an interesting touch in the end credits where the music spirals from ear to ear—an auditory reflection of the show’s central theme, as if the sound itself is infected by spirals.

The Horror Unfolds

One of the most memorable moments in this episode is the revelation about Shuichi’s father, whose obsession with spirals becomes grotesquely literal. His eyes move independently, a clear sign of his descent into madness. This physical manifestation of the spiral obsession is just the tip of the iceberg, setting the tone for the body horror and psychological breakdowns to come.

And speaking of breakdowns, poor Okada. The final moments of the episode, where we see the horrifying outcome of his fall into a spiral, are masterfully executed. The animation captures the grotesque beauty of the spiral as it consumes him, making it one of the most visually striking and unnerving scenes so far. It’s a perfect encapsulation of Ito’s ability to blend the beautiful with the horrifying.

Final Thoughts

Uzumaki Episode 1 is a masterclass in creating tension and atmosphere. It stays true to Junji Ito’s original vision while bringing something fresh with its animation style and sound design. Whether you’re a fan of the manga or new to the story, this episode will draw you in with its eerie visuals and strange, unsettling moments. And amidst all the horror, Kirie’s winking will remind you that there’s still some humanity left in this spiraling descent into madness—at least for now.

This first episode has set the stage for something truly disturbing, and if the rest of the series maintains this level of quality, we’re in for a chilling ride.