An oni/human hybrid, a severed head in a birdcage, and a bayonet-wielding maid step into a vampire’s house to solve a murder.
And that is truly the essence of Undead Murder Face. Blending gothic with supernatural, creatures of global and Japanese lore converge in a turn-of-the-century historical anime. In only two episodes, the show establishes the Westernization of Japan and how it leads to erasing foundational parts of their culture while mixing in a unique fantasy element to the story. Most interestingly, the impressive animation (especially the transitions), eerie close-ups and ominous nightscapes are punctuated by curious moments of comedy. And it all accumulates into a sensational concept that’s worth the watch.
In this world, creatures like vampires and werewolves still walk about, but Aya Rindo can’t say the same for herself. This beautiful disembodied head, carried by her maid Shizuku Hasei, is a detective in search of her stolen body. One evening, they meet half-human Oni Slayer Tsugaru Shunichi, who offers a lending hand. Now, the trio is traveling through Europe, solving mysteries along the way.
A head in a birdcage teams up with a half-oni to solve supernatural mysteries in a world where monsters coexist with humans.
In true anime fashion, transitions aren't limited to moving from one character to character or from scene to scene. Undead Murder Farce uses them to layer elements of the story or heighten a new perspective. Sharp cuts, sweeping Dutch angles, vibrant flashbacks, and images layered on/around characters strengthen the story. The animation is crisp and charming, the saturation of colours presenting daytime as eerie as night. Overall, the mix of genres is captured well in the visuals, making the eccentricity of the anime speak for itself.
Maybe the supernatural genre *does* need more beheaded immortal/half-oni detective duos.
