Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Horror film

Effigy (2024): Cast & Ratings

Effigy (2024) movie poster

Effigy is a 2024 horror film directed by John Cairns, starring Camilla Ståhl as Catherine, Shinsuke Kato and Sergey Kuvaev. It runs 1 hour 18 minutes. IMDb users rate it 2.8/10.

IMDb rating
2.8/10
Echo Score
89
Loading streaming availability…
Effigy (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 18m (78 min)
Director
John Cairns
Genre
Horror
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Effigy About?

The premise of Effigy without spoilers.

In twilight Tokyo, Catherine exists on the fringes, surviving through translation work. A mysterious client offers a lucrative job, presenting an opportunity for her to explore hidden desires. As she delves into the job, the boundaries between reality and illusion become blurred. Catherine struggles to understand the fragments of a client's scroll, and her own sense of self begins to unravel within the city’s soulless landscape.

Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Effigy Cast & Characters

Camilla Ståhl leads the cast as Catherine, with Shinsuke Kato as Doggy and Sergey Kuvaev as Nicholas. Directed by John Cairns; 4 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from John Cairns

One more film directed by John Cairns: Schoolgirl Apocalypse.

Full filmography
Ratings

Effigy Reviews & Ratings

IMDb users rate Effigy 2.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 89/100, strongest in sensory experience (94) and weakest in story & flow (76).

89 /100

Effigy Echo Score Breakdown

Effigy delivers a distinctively atmospheric experience anchored by strong visual and auditory craftsmanship. Reviewers highlight the film's moody cinematography, meticulous lighting, and immersive sound design that together create a persistent sense of unease. The narrative’s slow‑burn structure and ambiguous symbolism invite repeated viewings, while the lead performance is noted for its unsettling depth. Collectively, these elements position the film as a compelling, art‑house horror that rewards attentive audiences.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 92

    The film’s direction and visual composition receive consistent commendation for their striking cinematography and meticulous production design. Critics note the effective use of lighting, shadows, and practical effects to sustain a haunting atmosphere despite budget limitations. While occasional CGI is perceived as modest, the overall artistic execution is regarded as high‑quality and immersive.

  • Character & Emotion 84

    Performances, particularly that of the central protagonist, are praised for their nuanced and unsettling presence. Reviewers observe a layered emotional resonance that supports the film’s themes of alienation and moral decay. Although some find the character study deliberately ambiguous, the acting is generally regarded as compelling and integral to the film’s impact.

  • Story & Flow 76

    Effigy’s narrative is described as slow‑burning, experimental, and rich in symbolism, appealing to viewers who enjoy ambiguous storytelling. Positive feedback centers on its originality and thought‑provoking ideas, while criticism focuses on occasional pacing lulls and limited plot clarity. Overall, the story is seen as engaging for audiences prepared for a non‑linear, atmospheric experience.

  • Sensory Experience 94

    The auditory landscape receives high praise for layered sound design, a haunting score, and effective use of ambient noise that heightens tension. Visual style, including color palette and composition, complements the sound to produce a cohesive sensory environment. Reviewers consistently label the sensory execution as rivaling higher‑budget productions.

  • Rewatch Factor 86

    Multiple reviewers mention discovering new details on subsequent viewings, indicating strong rewatch value. The film’s dense symbolism, mood, and soundscape encourage repeated analysis and discussion. While its deliberate pacing may deter casual viewers, the lasting thematic resonance and intricate construction sustain interest over multiple watches.

Videos

Effigy Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Effigy.

Official Trailer

Seen Effigy?

FAQ

Effigy FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Effigy, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Effigy?

Effigy runs 1 hour 18 minutes (78 minutes).

When was Effigy released?

Effigy was released on June 22, 2024.

Who directed Effigy?

Effigy was directed by John Cairns.

More films by John Cairns

Who is in the cast of Effigy?

Effigy stars Camilla Ståhl as Catherine, Shinsuke Kato as Doggy and Sergey Kuvaev as Nicholas, among 4 credited actors.

How is Effigy rated?

Effigy has 2.8/10 on IMDb and 48% on TMDB.

Does Effigy have a post-credit scene?

No. Effigy has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app