Uzumaki - Episode 2 Review

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After the haunting atmosphere and unsettling visuals of Uzumaki's debut episode, I had high hopes for Episode 2. Unfortunately, it seems like the series is spiraling in the wrong direction. It's been a while since we’ve had Junji Ito adaptations that truly nailed the essence of his horror, and Uzumaki looked like it would finally break the curse. But Episode 2 left me with mixed feelings. Welcome back, Junji Ito Collection? Well, not quite.

The Creep Factor vs. The Animation

First off, let’s talk about the good: Uzumaki still manages to bring its creepy vibes, particularly when it comes to the body horror that Ito is known for. The transformation of a character into a snail was both grotesque and fascinating. Kirie's discovery of the charred bodies inside the lighthouse also brought back the eerie atmosphere that was so strong in Episode 1. These moments show that Uzumaki can still deliver unsettling imagery, even when the pacing and animation falter.

But then, we have the animation. The second episode sees a noticeable drop in quality. There’s no denying that some scenes look downright goofy. The infamous beach running scene stands out—it felt like something out of a parody rather than a horror series. It was almost laughable how awkward the characters looked as they skated across the sand. The internet’s already having a field day with comparisons to PS1-era Harry Potter running animations. For an adaptation that’s been in the works for so long, this was disappointing.

Pacing Issues: Too Fast, Too Furious

One of the biggest issues with Episode 2 is the breakneck pacing. While Episode 1 moved quickly, it still allowed for a buildup of tension. Episode 2, however, crams too much into its runtime. The episode skips from scene to scene without giving the viewer time to process what’s happening. Why did that girl suddenly start a fight with Kirie? Why did Kirie and Shuichi follow the snail dudes right after the hair battle? The rapid-fire transitions leave you feeling disoriented, like you're caught in a spiral that’s spinning too fast.

The pacing becomes especially problematic when you consider that this series only has four episodes. With such a limited run, you’d expect a more focused and deliberate approach to storytelling. But instead, we get rushed scenes that leave crucial moments feeling disjointed. I understand the director’s intention to mimic the accelerating nature of a spiral, but this pacing is doing the story a disservice. We need time to absorb the horror, not have it thrown at us at full speed.

Is There Hope for Episode 3?

The one redeeming factor in Episode 2 was the continued use of subtle sound design and music to elevate the horror. Colin Stetson’s score still shines, capturing the ominous and foreboding nature of the story. It’s a shame that the animation and pacing don’t match the quality of the soundscape.

At this point, I’m cautiously optimistic about Episode 3. I want to believe that the series can recover, but with only two episodes left, the clock is ticking. It feels like Uzumaki is teetering on the edge of becoming another unfortunate entry in the long list of subpar Junji Ito adaptations. The first episode showed us that Ito’s work can be translated effectively to animation—Episode 2 just fumbled the ball.

Final Thoughts

Uzumaki Episode 2 was a step backward. While the show continues to nail the creepy atmosphere and unsettling body horror, the drop in animation quality and rushed pacing make it hard to fully enjoy. There are still glimpses of the brilliance we saw in Episode 1, but they’re overshadowed by jarring transitions and awkward visuals. Let’s hope Episode 3 brings us back on track, because right now, it feels like the show is spiraling down into mediocrity.

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