Japanese comedy-horror satirises obsession through a deadly ghost’s pursuit of men
*Mag Mag* is a low-budget Japanese horror-comedy that uses a bizarre ghost story to examine infatuation, bullying and beauty standards. Comedian Yuriyan Retriever makes her directorial debut, bringing a satirical take to both male misogyny and women’s romantic obsession.
The two-metre-tall ghost Mag Mag pursues men she falls for, with deadly results. Sara Minami plays Sanae, a woman obsessed with one of Mag Mag’s victims, in a performance described as wildly comic; the story also holds back a twist about Mag Mag’s past. The film is available on digital platforms from 19 October.
- Yuriyan Retriever’s debut blends Japanese horror with comedy and satire.
- A towering ghost’s romantic pursuits turn deadly.
- Sara Minami plays a woman whose obsession mirrors the ghost’s.
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This is a low-budget Japanese horror-comedy that uses a ghost story to examine infatuation and its consequences. The central character is a supernatural being two metres tall named Mag Mag who becomes infatuated with men and pursues them with deadly results, whilst the story also follows a human woman fixated on one of the ghost's victims.
The film explores themes of bullying, beauty standards and romantic obsession through satirical commentary on both male misogyny and women's desire for romantic connection. Director Yuriyan Retriever, a comedian making her feature directorial debut, brings a comedic sensibility to the blend of horror and social critique.
Sara Minami delivers a performance described as wildly comic as the female protagonist. The story also contains a twist reveal about the ghost's past, adding depth to what initially appears to be a straightforward supernatural premise.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Mag Mag review – giant female ghost loves people to death in Japanese comedy-horror”.