Missing Child Videotape might not achieve the levels of overpowering terror promised by its premise, but it announces the emergence of a new filmmaker with serious potential.

Ryota Kondo’s Missing Child Videotape proves that the emaciated and abused body of J-horror still has some life within it.

It’s all about ambient dread, heightened by creepy sound design and a musical score that’s more of a subliminal presence.

Missing Child Videotape unfolds as a quiet psychological mystery, following Keita as a resurfaced VHS tape and a child’s cryptic whisper reopen the unresolved disappearance of his brother. The film builds tension through guilt, subtle supernatural elements, and restrained performances, though several narrative details and character arcs feel underdeveloped. While its slow pace and muted resolution may not satisfy everyone, it leaves behind a lingering unease rooted more in sorrow than shock. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com) and (English version : uwiepuspita.com)