Human Vapor Review: When Revenge Becomes an Invisible Monster

Human Vapor Review: Reinventing the 1960 film in a TV show format, Netflix’s sci-fi thriller series brings forth an inherent fear among the masses wherein you’re being attacked by an invisible enemy. Bringing forth a deluge of talented actors to the table, the Netflix series takes this fear and transforms it into something more atmospheric that feels equal parts detective mystery, body horror and conspiracy drama. The series modernises the cult classic into something that today’s generation would thoroughly enjoy, without losing sight of the tragic humanity at its core.

But, of course, as with every show out there, the series tends to slow down at odd times with a ton of melodrama and exposition that doesn’t add anything to the tense mystery elements. However, with striking visuals and great performances, the series is a very interesting watch.

The series has 8 episodes, with a runtime of 50 minutes each, and is based on the 1960 tokusatsu film The Human Vapor by Ishirō Honda and Takeshi Kimura.

Human Vapor Review

A Mystery That Begins With an Explosive Statement

The thriller series begins with a bang and doesn’t take even a minute to get to the point – on live TV, we watch a scientist explode, sending Japan into a frenzy. Of course, the police are brought in, which includes bringing Kenji Okamoto out of retirement. Investigating this along with the police is journalist Kyoko Kono, Okamoto’s past flame, in front of whom the first attack took place. With a sensational situation unfolding in front of them, ties to the yakuza are only a fraction of their problems.

The series is a mysterious watch that is somewhat similar to other sci-fi thrillers but with something new. The explanations and how the series unfolds will be obvious to most viewers who are fans of the genre, but the conspiracy itself is dark enough to keep viewers watching. Plus, the incredible special effects and the small hints about who this ‘Human Vapor’ is are enough to build intrigue. With unethical scientific experiments, government secrets and victims discarded by the very systems that created them in the midst, the series has a lot to offer for most viewers.

With a ton of different things in the midst of the story, the series takes time peeling back the layers and doesn’t rely on shocking set pieces to create the mystery.

The Sci-Fi is Spectacular, But the Human Story Matters More

While the idea behind the Human Vapor and how it works is interesting, it’s the intense human story in the midst of it that makes it matter all the more. Although it’s not perfect, the series has its heart in the right place and never forgets to remind viewers what consequences selfish actions can have, especially when the vulnerable are taken advantage of by the government. The series is surprisingly less about the man who can turn into vapour and more about how that came to be. It’s a mystery that is explored over time, and the police procedural part is equally interesting.

The series asks what happens when someone’s identity and humanity are stripped from them for selfish reasons. It’s an important question, one that makes your heart ache for the atrocities that these vulnerable people faced. Beneath Human Vapor’s supernatural abilities lies a man who loved and cared fiercely when he was alive. It’s a tragic tale of exploitation, revenge and institutional corruption that is made clear through the “antagonist’s” portrayal – he’s not some one-dimensional monster, but just a man being used for others’ benefit.

The emotional foundation of the series gives the action greater weight and makes it memorable.

Stunning Visual Effects Elevate Every Attack

The body horror element of the series is quite fantastic and, from a purely action standpoint, it’s quite memorable. The remarkably polished visual effects, including Ren’s transformation into the Human Vapor is excellent and look completely real. It’s unsettling, but never excessive, balancing practical horror with CGI. The attacks are quite straightforward, but when a ball of gas follows people around and blows them up, it feels eerie and suspenseful. The mystery around the character’s existence is interesting, and while you feel intimidated by his character, it also makes you emotional for him.

Shun Oguri And Yu Aoi Anchor The Emotional Core

Protagonists Kenji and Kyoko, however, form the heart of the series as they carry the mystery forward.

Shun Oguri, as Kenji, gives a restrained performance, portraying a man determined to uncover the truth at whatever personal cost. Yū Aoi, as Kyoko, however, is truly the most memorable part of the series as viewers slowly get to know her. She brings warmth, intelligence and a hidden sadness to her character that goes far beyond journalistic interest. Lastly, Uta Uchida, as Ren, is also simply fantastic. His quiet presence and tragic motivations make him a sympathetic antagonist whose pain overshadows his actions.

The Pacing Occasionally Loses Momentum

Despite all of its strengths, Human Vapor is far too long. The series loses momentum a lot, and the premise of a person turning into vapour can get quite goofy. While the explanations and expositions are interesting and needed, the series loses momentum more often than not. Some sequences are repetitive, and for those looking forward to thrills and chills, this series is more emotional than anything else. Plus, some of the romantic elements are completely unnecessary and take away from the story rather than adding to it.

Final Verdict

In the end, Human Vapor is a deeply human story about vulnerable people being taken advantage of in an unfair society. It’s not a straightforward monster story, and although it’s not for those who want something terrifying, it’s definitely a moving watch. Overall, it’s quite enjoyable, despite its downfalls.

The series is streaming right now on Netflix. What did you think of Human Vapor? Let us know in the comments below!

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