Monday, January 19, 2026
Monday, January 19th, Sacrilegious Cinema: Menagerie of Madness presents a petrifying double feature deep seated in Japanese horror, showcasing among the most iconic entries the country has to offer, spawning many iterations- including a plethora of American remakes and sequels, effectively solidifying the J horror craze rampant during the early 2000s, heavily influencing the fabric of Western media.
Known for their creeping atmospheric dread, this duo focuses on vengeful spirits- or ‘Onryō’- and the respective curses native to the territory, highlighting a cyclical nature of pain, permanently altering the manner in which we interpret ghosts, positioning both of these pictures as instant classics and a landmark in Asian cinema. 
At 8PM, we join social worker Rika Nishina in Nerima, Tokyo on an assignment to care for an ailing woman named Sachie- but Rika gets much more than she bargained for when she becomes ensnared within the clutches of a virulent curse conjured up by the malefic ghosts of Kayako and Toshio Saeki, unleashing a vicious cycle of terror, ultimately infecting anyone that dares to enter the home. Told in a non-linear fashion, JU-ON: THE GRUDGE (2002) lures audiences into an unsettling sequence of events designed to linger in the recesses of the mind days post viewing. Directed and written by Takashi Shimizu, Ju-On: The Grudge marks the first theatrical endeavor for his ambitious Ju-On series, popularizing the concept and successfully reaching an international audience to the harrowing allure of Japanese horror. Shimizu prescribes a slow burn buildup to the scares, allowing viewers to marinate in the tension throughout, taking many risks in his unique approach, with many of the frightening moments occurring in broad daylight with a sound design most audience members cannot shake. Moreover, Ju-On: The Grudge permeates an underlying theme woven within the bounds of intergenerational trauma and the perpetuation of abuse in the ripples of rage from residual sorrows. 
Then, at 10PM, we accompany journalist Reiko Asakawa in researching an urban legend surrounding a mysterious video tape that purportedly places a curse upon its audience, causing the recipients to die 7 days post viewing. In her quest to locate the VHS, Reiko becomes marked by the curse herself, motivating her to join forces with her ex-husband in order to save her life before her 7 days elapse. While digging into the origins of the tape, the pair uncover the tragic past of a girl turned scorned spirit named Sadako Yamamura, leading them to believe she is related, if not responsible, for the deadly essence of the tape.
Directed by Hideo Nakata and inspired by the 1991 novel by Koji Suzuki, RINGU (1998) tackles society’s relationship with technology and escapism, excavating the fear of the unknown with echoes of repressed trauma and laced in a feministic undertone with parallels between protagonist and antagonist. The haunting visuals and stylish cinematography accomplish an utmost unease without the use of jump scares, instead keeping viewers captive with the ominous imagery, promising impending doom in an almost meta fashion, making audiences think twice about their media consumption. 
With Japan being one of the biggest players in horror cinema game, this is a night you don’t want to miss- whether you’re new to the genre or just want to rekindle an old flame, this one is bound to make your skin crawl. Come out to meet a few of the most unforgettable antagonists in horror history. 
FREE popcorn included with a mandatory purchase- no cover charge with a 1 drink (or snack) minimum from the bar.
(Movie nights offer psychological insight accompanied by behind the scenes information and observations by your horror hostess).