Uzumaki Episode 4 Review: Disappointing Adaptation of a Majestic Horror Story Reaches its Conclusion

The fourth episode of Uzumaki, which premiered on October 20, 2024, marked the finale of this chilling horror miniseries. While earlier episodes showcased a variety of disturbing themes, the closing chapter presented the most dramatic manifestation of the spiral curse. Despite being celebrated as a notable anime adaptation of Junji Ito’s stories, many fans were left feeling somewhat unsatisfied.

In the penultimate episode, Kirie returns home after a harrowing stay in the hospital, where bizarre occurrences threatened her life. As the narrative unfolds, her predicament intensifies, compounded by a typhoon, an unsettling neighbor, and even a corpse that fixates on her. The finale illustrates a Kurouzu town that, despite repeated typhoon assaults, is rebuilt by its citizens, ultimately sealing their fate under the spiral curse.

Note: This article includes spoilers.

Uzumaki Episode 4 Review: The End of the Anime, but the Curse Lives On

Uzumaki Episode 4 Review: A Satisfying Pacing Improvement

Mitsuo in Uzumaki (Image via Drive & Akatsuki)

The series has faced scrutiny for its fragmented plotlines lacking cohesion. However, the final episode stands out with its well-structured story, closely aligning with the concluding manga events, focusing primarily on Kirie and Shuichi. Their ventures to escape only deepen their entanglement in the spiral, which is at the heart of the curse itself.

In this sense, Uzumaki Episode 4 succeeds in depicting the developments cleanly. Although some manga content was omitted, the episode still delivers a feeling of completeness for viewers. Additionally, this episode is the longest in the series at just over thirty minutes, allowing for a more comprehensive storytelling experience.

Uzumaki Episode 4 Review: Enhanced Visuals, Yet Mediocre Overall

Characters consuming snail-people meat in Uzumaki (Image via Drive & Akatsuki)

The animation quality, a point of fascination for Junji Ito fans, has also been a notable source of disappointment. Following the initial episode, the animation quality noticeably declined.

Fortunately, Uzumaki Episode 4 has made strides in improving this aspect, although it still falls short of the high bar set by the premiere. There are moments when the animation appears inconsistent, with various styles evident from one scene to another. Moreover, some sequences consist solely of static images.

Uzumaki Episode 4 Review: A Letdown for the Climax

The spiral city depicted in Uzumaki (Image via Drive & Akatsuki)

The animation quality deeply influences storytelling, and some moments that could have been truly chilling in Uzumaki Episode 4 instead felt underwhelming.

This is particularly apparent during scenes such as Mitsuo’s transformation into a snail, where people pursue him with gluttonous intentions. Kirie and the others who try to flee with him appear more leisurely than panicked, which diminishes the tension. Similarly, as Chie finds herself trapped among the grotesque inhabitants of the row houses, the portrayal fails to convey the necessary emotional gravity.

Ultimately, Uzumaki Episode 4 disappoints in its climactic representation; the depiction of the awe-inspiring spiral city lacks the emotional intensity required, rendering key moments feel less impactful. This is especially regrettable, as audiences typically expect an anime adaptation to elevate its source material. However, the epilogue serves as a nice addition, showcasing the ongoing cycle of the curse.

Final Reflections

The start of a new cycle in Uzumaki (Image via Drive & Akatsuki)

Uzumaki Episode 4 brings closure to one of the season’s most eagerly awaited anime. Although the series possesses numerous strengths, its deficiencies ultimately overshadow the positives. The fact remains that the initial episode set an impressive standard, raising hopes for more successful adaptations of Junji Ito’s work in the future.

Source