Ondine's Curse (2014): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2014, Ondine's Curse is a notable film directed by Sayaka Kai, running about 30 minutes. “A chewy, dreamy short story that you can enjoy no matter how many times you watch it.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Seizo, a doctor, and his beautiful younger wife, Reiko. At first glance, they appear to be a respectable and amicable couple, but Seizo suspects that Reiko has a young lover. One day, the couple goes to see a new Noh play, "The Curse of Ondine," organized by a medical association. At the venue, Reiko catches the attention of a man, and even the young man at the reception desk gives her a heated look. "Reiko says, "Noh is boring," but Seizo warns her not to fall asleep, since the audience is all related. However, when the Noh play begins and Reiko looks at Seizo, she finds that he is asleep. From this point on, the world of death in the Noh play and the world of life in which the two people exist become parallel. Reality and unreality intersect as if the two are acting out a Noh play, and the secrets hidden in their daily lives begin to seep out.

Who’s in it. Ondine's Curse stars Goro Oishi, Hako Ohshima, Yo Takahashi and Yoshihisa Umewaka, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Ondine's Curse page.