Bloat (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Horror movies have long explored the eerie concept of possession, and Bloat (2025) takes this trope into the realm of Japanese folklore and screenlife filmmaking. Directed by Pablo Absento, Bloat follows the unsettling transformation of a young boy after a near-drowning accident in Japan. With a unique blend of supernatural horror and digital-age storytelling, the film had the potential to deliver a chilling experience. But does it succeed?
In this in-depth review, we’ll break down Bloat’s strengths and weaknesses, discuss its execution, and highlight where you can watch it online.
Plot Summary
Bloat centers on a military officer, Jack (Ben McKenzie), who is stationed overseas while his wife, Hannah (Bojana Novakovic), and their two sons, Steve (Malcolm Fuller) and Kyle (Sawyer Jones), vacation in Japan. When Kyle nearly drowns in a lake, he begins exhibiting strange and disturbing behaviors, such as biting his brother and consuming only cucumbers—an eerie nod to the Japanese mythological creature, the Kappa.
Jack, limited to monitoring his family through video calls and surveillance technology, begins an online investigation into the mysterious occurrences. He eventually discovers that Kyle may be possessed by a supernatural entity. With the help of an old friend, Ryan (Kane Kosugi), Jack desperately seeks a way to save his son before the family is torn apart by an ancient evil.
A Unique but Flawed Screenlife Approach
Bloat attempts to blend found footage and screenlife storytelling, much like Timur Bekmambetov’s Unfriended and Searching. The format creates an eerie sense of distance, as Jack can only witness his family’s horror unfold through digital screens. While this premise is intriguing, the execution falls short.
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Inconsistent Use of Screenlife Elements
The film frequently breaks from the screenlife format without a clear reason. Instead of maintaining tension through limited perspectives, it switches to more traditional filmmaking techniques, diluting the immersive nature of the genre. These breaks feel unnecessary and don’t contribute meaningfully to the story. -
Distracting Visual Choices
The film leans heavily on digital glitch effects to suggest supernatural interference. However, instead of adding realism, these effects feel artificial and forced. Additionally, the webcam footage is surprisingly high-quality, detracting from the authenticity expected in screenlife horror. -
Atmospheric But Misplaced Sound Design
Horror thrives on sound design, but Bloat’s use of loud ambient music clashes with its found-footage aesthetic. The music, meant to heighten tension, ends up feeling out of place in a film that should rely more on naturalistic audio to maintain immersion.
Horror That Lacks a Payoff
While Bloat introduces promising horror elements, such as folklore-driven suspense and digital-age paranoia, it ultimately fails to deliver genuine scares.
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Minimal Actual Horror
Despite its supernatural premise, the film is surprisingly light on true horror moments. The tension built in the first half dissipates as the story progresses, making the final act feel underwhelming. -
Wasted Folklore Potential
The idea of a Kappa possessing a child is fascinating, but the mythology is barely explored. The film touches on the creature’s traits but doesn’t fully integrate them into the narrative in a meaningful way. For those familiar with J-horror or creepypasta, Bloat’s execution will feel underdeveloped. -
A Disappointing Ending
The film builds up suspense, only to fizzle out with an ending that feels rushed and nonsensical. The final moments fail to leave a lasting impact, making the entire experience feel like a missed opportunity.
Where to Watch Bloat (2025) Online
If you’re curious about Bloat, here’s where you can stream or rent it in the United States:
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Streaming Services:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV+
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Rental/Purchase Options:
- Amazon Prime Video (Rent or Buy)
- Apple TV (Rent or Buy)
- Google Play Movies
- Vudu
Always check these platforms for availability, as streaming rights may change over time.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch Bloat?
Bloat starts with an intriguing premise and some genuinely eerie moments but ultimately struggles with execution. While it brings in fascinating folklore and a unique storytelling approach, it never fully commits to its strengths. Horror fans who enjoy screenlife films may find it interesting, but those seeking a truly terrifying experience may leave disappointed.
Pros:
✅ Unique concept blending folklore and technology
✅ Strong first half with solid tension-building
✅ Thought-provoking themes on digital surveillance and distance
Cons:
❌ Breaks from screenlife format without reason
❌ Horror elements feel underdeveloped
❌ Unconvincing CGI and digital effects
❌ Disappointing, lackluster ending
If you’re a fan of found footage horror or digital-age thrillers, Bloat might still be worth a watch—just keep expectations in check.
