In a world obsessed with online profits, Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s ‘Cloud’ dives into the murky depths of internet grifting. This latest film from the prolific Japanese director, known for his chilling horror masterpieces like ‘Cure’ and ‘Pulse,’ blends action and suspense with his signature brand of eerie atmosphere. While ‘Cloud’ may not entirely succeed as a cautionary tale about the dangers of online fraud, it remains a captivating showcase of Kurosawa’s unique cinematic style.
The film centers around Ryosuke Yoshii (Masaki Suda), a young man who earns a living by reselling goods online, often resorting to unethical tactics. His casual disregard for responsibility leads him to abandon his job and move to a remote town with his girlfriend, where he can continue his online schemes. Kurosawa’s masterful direction, particularly his framing and blocking, creates a sense of unease throughout the film, even in scenes that would otherwise be considered mundane.
‘Cloud’ serves as a companion piece to Kurosawa’s seminal film ‘Pulse,’ which explored the internet as a menacing force that lured young people into a state of despair. However, while ‘Pulse’ focused on the internet’s passive threat, ‘Cloud’ examines the active exploitation of online platforms for personal gain, highlighting the rise of internet hucksterism and its potential to exacerbate societal tensions.
As the film progresses, Ryosuke’s casual online scams catch up to him. The narrative takes a turn towards heightened absurdity, bordering on dream logic, as his actions unleash a cascade of unforeseen consequences. Kurosawa’s masterful use of suspense builds towards a climax that is both unsettling and darkly humorous.
Despite its occasional lapses into goofiness, ‘Cloud’ remains a compelling film due to Kurosawa’s impressive directorial skills. His masterful use of framing and composition evokes the haunting atmosphere of John Carpenter’s works, creating a blend of action spectacle and home-invasion horror.
In ‘Cloud,’ Kiyoshi Kurosawa delivers a uniquely unsettling cinematic experience, exploring the dark underbelly of the internet and showcasing his signature mastery of suspense and atmosphere. Though the film may not be a completely convincing exploration of the perils of online grifting, its unsettling narrative and masterful direction make it a worthy addition to Kurosawa’s impressive filmography.
