Asphyxia (film)

Asphyxia is a 2004 Japanese horror film directed by Keisuke Toyoshima, based on the novel of the same name by Mariko Koike. The film is also known under the alternative title Ambush.

The story centers on Tomoko, a lonely and withdrawn teenage girl who forms an intense, almost obsessive relationship with her sick mother. Tomoko works at the hospital where her mother is being treated, further fueling her dependence and isolation. As her mother's condition worsens, Tomoko's mental state deteriorates, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination. She becomes increasingly protective of her mother, distrustful of the hospital staff, and begins to suspect that someone is deliberately harming her.

The film explores themes of isolation, obsession, mental illness, and the complex dynamic between mother and daughter. It utilizes a dark and atmospheric visual style to heighten the psychological tension and sense of unease. Asphyxia is known for its unsettling and claustrophobic atmosphere, and its exploration of disturbing psychological themes, rather than relying on overt gore or jump scares. The narrative focuses on the gradual unraveling of Tomoko's sanity, driven by her fear of losing her mother and her inability to cope with the situation.