The Black House is a Japanese horror film directed by Yoshimitsu Morita and released in 1999. The film is based on a novel by Yusuke Kishi, which was a bestseller in Japan.
The main character of the story is a young insurance agent named Aoyama, who works for the Showa Life Insurance company. Aoyama receives a phone call from a troubled customer named Shinozaki, who reveals that she is planning to commit suicide and wants to know if her insurance policy will pay out. Concerned for her safety, Aoyama decides to visit her at her home.
Upon arriving at the house, Aoyama discovers a tragedy: Shinozaki's young son has hanged himself. Shocked by the incident, Aoyama begins to investigate the family's history and discovers that there have been several tragic accidents involving people connected to the Shinozaki family.
As Aoyama delves deeper into the family's past, he uncovers a dark secret that has been kept hidden for years. He begins to suspect that the accidents were not accidents at all but were orchestrated by someone seeking revenge against the family.
The Black House is a slow-burn horror film that relies on atmosphere and tension to build the story. The film has a strong focus on character development, particularly with Aoyama, who evolves from a meek and cautious insurance agent to a determined investigator seeking the truth.
The film is notable for its use of flashbacks, dream sequences, and surreal imagery, which add to the suspense and mystery of the story. The Black House received critical acclaim upon its release in Japan and has become a cult classic in the horror genre.