ReviewNetflix drama Human Vapor review: Shun Oguri, Yu Aoi in Yeon Sang-ho’s bold sci-fi reboot
This exciting tale of a mysterious serial killer who can turn into a murderous cloud of gas is a reimagining of a classic Japanese thriller
4/5 stars
Lead cast: Shun Oguri, Yu Aoi, Suzu Hirose, Kento Hayashi
When a respected scientist explodes live on national television, it launches a wave of terror that sweeps Japan, masterminded by a mysterious serial killer who can seemingly vanish into thin air.
The victim of this shocking attack, environmental energy expert Professor Sano (Morley Robertson), was being interviewed by JNT chief reporter Kyoko Kono (Yu Aoi) when he was suddenly hoisted into the air by a cloud of mysterious gas, which proceeded to force its way into him and cause his body to burst violently.
This horrific act was followed by a video message, sent to all of Tokyo’s news agencies, from a young man (model Uta Uchida in his acting debut) claiming responsibility for the crime. Calling himself “The Human Vapor”, he declares that the professor’s death is only the first in a series of murders he intends to carry out.