While my familiarity with Japanese theatre is limited, this film brought to mind the little Noh performance experience I’ve had, despite the stage play at its core being drawn from “Yotsuya Kaidan,” a work from Kabuki's later years. Kuime offers an absorbing exploration of multiple stories unfolding simultaneously, where what happens on stage mirrors and influences events behind the scenes. The film moves deliberately, and precise timing is essential for delivering the nuances of the dialogue. Visually, it’s quite beautiful, with an intriguing use of exposed set construction that echoes how actors take on several roles and have their narratives connected. Ultimately, the horror elements build gradually, culminating in a number of disturbing endings. However, I can understand why this didn't find a wider audience outside of Japan; the measured pace might feel too slow for viewers accustomed to Western horror films, and its complex storytelling is more typical of festival showings. For my part, after ninety minutes of refined theatrical presentation, I felt that the roughly twenty-minute final section was somewhat rougher in execution and could have been handled with greater care. Nevertheless, I remained engaged throughout the film, was impacted by the escalating horror sequences, and kept an appreciation for its artistic qualities. Overall, I would place it among Takashi Miike’s stronger works.

Source on TMDB