Watch The Embryo Hunts in Secret

The Embryo Hunts in Secret is a Japanese horror film from 1966 directed by Kōji Wakamatsu. The movie stars Miharu Shima and Hatsuo Yamaya as the lead characters. The story of the film revolves around a scientist who is experimenting with human embryo transplantation. The scientist is particularly interested in creating a perfect human being through an artificial womb that he has developed. The scientist’s obsession with his research leads him to kidnap a woman and impregnate her with his own embryo in hopes of creating the perfect specimen.

The film begins with the scientist successfully impregnating the woman and placing her in his laboratory. The woman is kept in a cell-like room while the scientist and his assistant monitor her pregnancy progress. As the embryo develops, the scientist notices that the fetus is not growing at a normal rate. Despite this, the scientist continues his research and continues to monitor the woman's pregnancy.

As the pregnancy progresses, the woman becomes more and more distressed. She tries to escape multiple times but is always caught and returned to her cell. The scientist becomes increasingly agitated as well and begins to take out his frustrations on his assistant. This leads to tension and arguments between the two men.

As the fetus continues to develop, it becomes clear that something is wrong. The scientist becomes more and more obsessed with his research, refusing to acknowledge that his experiments have gone wrong. The woman, now in labor, gives birth to an unusual looking creature. The scientist, rather than being horrified, sees this as a breakthrough and begins to study the creature obsessively.

The Embryo Hunts in Secret is a disturbing film that explores the dangers of obsessive scientific experimentation. The film is shot in a stark black and white style which enhances the eerie tone of the story. The claustrophobic setting of the laboratory adds to the tension and unease of the film.

The performances of the lead actors are impressive. Miharu Shima plays the captive woman with a convincing sense of fear and desperation. Hatsuo Yamaya plays the scientist with a chilling detachment, making him a truly disturbing character.

The film is not without its flaws, however. Some of the special effects used to create the creature are somewhat dated and may not hold up well for modern audiences. Additionally, the film's pacing can be slow at times, which may also be a turnoff for some viewers.

Overall, The Embryo Hunts in Secret is a standout example of Japanese horror from the 1960s. While it may not be the most polished film, it is certainly an unsettling and thought-provoking work that is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who watch it.