Netflix has long been a go-to for chilling horror content, from original movies like Bird Box and His House to acclaimed series like “Midnight Mass.” But the streamer’s latest release, “The Summer Hikaru Died,” has taken viewers by storm!
The first episode of this hotly anticipated new horror series just dropped. And social media immediately erupted with praise, with some fans already calling it a “masterpiece.”
A Unique Blend of Body Horror and Eerie Visuals
This new Netflix original series is based on the acclaimed manga by Mokumokuren, masterfully blending John Carpenter-esque body horror with the unsettling, oppressively bright visuals.
Produced by Cygames Pictures and directed by Ryohei Takeshita, “The Summer Hikaru Died” is truly a must-watch. The first episode debuted on July 5th, and new episodes are being released every Tuesday, with the first season expected to run for a total of 12 episodes.
The Haunting Premise
Mokumokuren’s “The Summer Hikaru Died” has already captivated the manga world, being serialized in Kadokawa’s Young Ace Up seinen magazine since 2021. While the anime shifted some of the story’s chronology, it’s widely regarded as a faithful adaptation so far.
So, what’s “The Summer Hikaru Died” actually about? The story unfolds in a small Japanese village. It centers on two high school best friends, Hikaru and Yoshiki. Over the previous summer, Hikaru disappeared into the mountains for two weeks. When he returned, Yoshiki couldn’t shake the chilling suspicion that the being who came back wasn’t the real Hikaru. As dark entities begin appearing in the village, mysteriously drawn to “Hikaru,” Yoshiki grapples with his grief and complicated feelings for his deceased best friend, desperately trying to accept the enigmatic being as a replacement. The story is dark, emotional, and incredibly tense.
Watch it Now
“The Summer Hikaru Died“ is now streaming on Netflix, with the next episode set to release on July 12th.
