RATING★ 5.8
WORTH IT? MAYBE
Bela: Humanoid Monster backdrop
🏆

Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Bela: Humanoid Monster.

View Review →
WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Bela: Humanoid Monster Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

Kosuke Nitta has been toiling away on a 50th anniversary DVD box set of the classic anime TV series Humanoid Monster BEM. While hunting for a new special feature to attract more buyers, the timid advertising employee finds himself falling into the maw of madness after he discovers the original cut of Bem's final episode. At the same time, a tragedy has left a local high school reeling in the aftermath. What's the connection between these harrowing events? A mysterious girl by the name of Bela.

Advertisement

✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Horror cinema, then Bela: Humanoid Monster offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2020 landscape.

Advertisement

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Horror films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Horror cinema, the 2020 release of Bela: Humanoid Monster stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Kosuke Nitta has been toiling away on a 50th anniversary DVD box set of the classic anime TV series Humanoid Monster BEM. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Horror are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Kosuke Nitta has been toiling away on a 50th anniversary DVD box set of the classic anime TV series Humanoid Monster BEM. While hunting for a new special feature to attract more buyers, the timid advertising employee finds himself falling into the maw of madness after he discovers the original cut of Bem's final episode. At the same time, a tragedy has left a local high school reeling in the aftermath. What's the connection between these harrowing events? A mysterious girl by the name of Bela."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Win Morisaki ensure that the emotional beats of Bela: Humanoid Monster always land with sufficient weight. Win Morisaki provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Tsutomu Hanabusa is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 100 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Bela: Humanoid Monster truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Horror, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5.8/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Bela: Humanoid Monster explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Tsutomu Hanabusa respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Bela: Humanoid Monster serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Win Morisaki or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Bela: Humanoid Monster is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: INTERESTING - VIEW WITH CAUTION

⏳ Time Investment

100MIN

At approximately 1.7 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

Advertisement