Fans of Japanese horror are almost certain to be familiar with the infamous “Evil Dead Trap” series, an odd amalgamation of East meets West with an absurd edge only really experienced through Japanese cinema. “Evil Dead Trap” is one of those films that is perfect to toi revisit around Halloween. But as we are heading into the summer months, a more idealistic choice would be the other genre-bending film from Toshiharu Ikeda that paints a very violent picture framed by the gorgeous backdrop of a seaside village.

“Mermaid Legend”, at points, has a very contemplative flow to the storytelling, moments of reflection on the seaside as well as a general romanticization of the industry tied to the sea–including some picturesque shots of the infamous pearl divers that have become the subject of interest in many films. The abrupt end to this solitude by way of Migawa (Mari Shirato) losing...