Watch ONI: Thunder God's Tale

ONI: Thunder God's Tale is a new Netflix show that blends supernatural horror with coming-of-age elements. Set in contemporary Japan, the show follows the journey of a young girl named Mai (played by Momona Tamada), who discovers that she is a descendant of a powerful thunder god. With the help of her friends, a wise old couple, and her own powers, Mai embarks on a perilous quest to stop a malevolent spirit from unleashing an ancient curse that could destroy the world.

The show opens with Mai and her family moving to a remote village in Japan, where her grandfather (played by Craig Robinson) lives. Mai is initially apprehensive about the move, but she soon feels drawn to explore the lush forests and ancient shrines of the area. She quickly befriends a local boy named Ryota (played by Archie Yates), who shares her curiosity and thirst for adventure.

However, the idyllic setting masks a dark secret: for generations, the village has been haunted by a malevolent spirit known as the Yomi-Yomi, which seeks to resurrect an ancient demon by absorbing the life force of the villagers. Mai soon learns that she is the only one with the power to stop the Yomi-Yomi, as she has inherited the Thunder God's hammer, a legendary weapon that can destroy the spirit and break its hold over the villagers.

As Mai trains to wield the hammer, she also navigates the challenges of being a teenager in a new environment. She develops a tentative crush on Ryota, who is also struggling with his own family issues. She also clashes with her grandfather, who is initially distant and gruff, but gradually reveals himself to be a loving and wise mentor. Together, Mai and her friends face a series of trials and tribulations, both supernatural and personal, that test their courage and loyalty.

What sets ONI: Thunder God's Tale apart from other supernatural Netflix shows is its use of Japanese folklore and mythology. The show draws inspiration from Shintoism, Buddhism, and other traditional beliefs, weaving in elements such as spirit animals, enchanted trees, and yurei (ghosts). The supporting characters are also richly drawn, with Robinson bringing depth and gravitas to his role as the enigmatic grandpa, and Yates adding humor and warmth as the loyal and goofy Ryota.

Another standout feature of the show is its production design, which is a feast for the senses. The lush forests, misty mountains, and glowing lanterns create a dreamy, almost surreal atmosphere that perfectly complements the magical elements of the story. The fight scenes are also well choreographed, and the special effects are seamlessly integrated into the live action footage.

Overall, ONI: Thunder God's Tale is a compelling blend of fantasy, horror, and drama that will appeal to fans of Stranger Things, The Umbrella Academy, and other genre-bending Netflix shows. With its strong performances, rich mythology, and stunning visuals, the show is poised to become a new fan favorite.

ONI: Thunder God's Tale is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between October 14, 2022 and on Netflix