Effigy (2024): Cast & Ratings
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 18m (78 min)
- Director
- John Cairns
- Genre
- Horror
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Lantis KK
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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.
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.
- Director John Cairns
- Camilla Ståhl as Catherine
-
Shinsuke Kato as Doggy - Sergey Kuvaev as Nicholas
- Mihoko Watanabe as Mother
More from John Cairns
One more film directed by John Cairns: Schoolgirl Apocalypse.
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).
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.
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IMDb 2.8 /10
282 votes
-
TMDB 48% User score
See on TMDB
Effigy Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Effigy.
Seen Effigy?
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.
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