Overview
- “Let’s Go to the Cursed House,”the finale of Dandadan season 1, makes a notable reference to a well-known horror film, hinting at potential plot developments for the upcoming season 2.
- Jiji’s family resides in a rental near a dormant volcano, where peculiar and unsettling events hint at dark secrets in their small community.
- Cult-like figures lurking in the woods draw comparisons to the chilling themes of the film Hereditary, raising questions about supernatural elements in Dandadan‘s future narrative.
SPOILER ALERT: This article includes spoilers for Dandadan season 1, episode 12, titled “Let’s Go to the Cursed House.”
In the realm of anime, Dandadan masterfully merges elements of science fiction and horror, creating a captivating narrative for fans of the supernatural. The season 1 finale, “Let’s Go to the Cursed House,”features an intriguing homage to a celebrated horror film—an indication of what may unfold in the anticipated second season.
During the episode, the protagonists Momo, Okarun, and Jiji return to investigate the supernatural occurrences that have affected Jiji’s family. While the central theme revolves around their intricate love triangle, unsettling happenings in Jiji’s quaint town suggest a deeper malaise beneath its surface. Are the locals hiding sinister secrets?
Life Near the Volcano: Jiji’s Home
The narrative begins with Jiji’s recent relocation to a quaint mountain village after completing elementary school. His father, a volcanologist, chose to settle close to a volcanic site that had remained dormant for over two centuries. Initially, the town presents a peaceful facade, dotted with its sparse inhabitants.
Yet, Jiji’s experience in his new rental home quickly shifts from idyllic to ominous. After witnessing a series of strange and paranormal events, his pleas for help are dismissed by his skeptical parents. However, their disbelief transforms into concern as both of his parents subsequently fall ill. Determined to uncover the truth, Jiji, along with Momo and Okarun, embark on a quest to investigate the source of the disturbing occurrences affecting his family.
Echoes of Ari Aster: A Disturbing Scene
As Jiji, Okarun, and Momo ascend the seemingly endless staircases of their village, the townsfolk appear watchful yet eerie, each character adorned with a pallid complexion and unsettling stares. The suspense builds as they approach Jiji’s home, where a group of villagers discreetly observes from the shadows of the nearby forest.
This chilling visual evokes memories of a pivotal scene from Ari Aster’s Hereditary. The film, which explores themes of family tragedy interwoven with demonic cult activities, serves as a haunting backdrop for this moment. In Hereditary, a pivotal scene showcases cultists surrounding the Graham family home, building tension and foreboding for the characters.
The cult from Hereditary seeks to utilize Peter Graham as a host for the powerful demon Paimon, orchestrating a series of tragic events for the Graham family. The parallel drawn here raises concerns about the intentions of the villagers in Dandadan, suggesting that a similarly ominous influence might be at play.
Foreshadowing Future Installments?
The trope of hidden cults manipulating unsuspecting victims resonates broadly within horror cinema, reminiscent of classics such as Rosemary’s Baby and The Omen. This begs the question: will the themes of demonic cults emerge prominently in Dandadan season 2?
While “Let’s Go to the Cursed House”offers limited insights into forthcoming plotlines, the conclusion hints at deeper complexities. In the climax, Jiji and Okarun make a startling discovery of a concealed room in their residence, teeming with talismans. Momo had earlier described these objects as protections against malevolent spirits in season 1, episode 2, “That’s a Space Alien, Ain’t It?!”. This hidden chamber could signify a cryptic effort to contain supernatural threats that might invade Jiji’s community.
The identities and motives of the weird villagers remain obscured. Their odd appearances cast doubt on whether they are humans, aliens, or spawned yokai from the last eruption of the volcano. Fans of Dandadan are left to explore the manga or eagerly anticipate the revelations of season 2, where more enigmatic details are sure to surface.
Leave a Reply