Netflix’s Mononoke: The Ashes of Rage Delivers Ukiyo-e Horror, Court Betrayal, and One Terrifying Yokai
Mononoke: The Ashes of Rage is a 2025 film from director Kenji Nakamura that continues the Mononoke storyline on Netflix. It follows 2024’s Mononoke: Phantom in the Rain and returns to the women’s quarters of the Emperor’s castle, known as the Ōoku.
- Who: director Kenji Nakamura and returning characters including the Medicine Seller.
- Where: the Ōoku, the Emperor’s women’s quarters.
- What: supernatural mononoke and the Hinezumi yokai tied to succession and childbirth.
- Style: ukiyo-e–inspired visuals with recurring fire and smoke motifs.
- Availability: streaming on Netflix; a third film is scheduled for 2026.
Plot setup
The film picks up about a month after Phantom in the Rain and returns to the Ōoku, where concubines and handmaidens live under strict rules and political pressure. Many characters from the previous film reappear, including Medicine Seller, Captain of the Guard Saskashita, and concubines such as Lady Fuki Tokita and Lady Botan Ootomo.
In this chapter, succession and the Emperor’s attention shape events. Councillor Ootomo describes the stakes by saying whoever controls the heir has a “seed of fire” — a small thing that can grow into a powerful influence. When Lady Fuki is revealed to be pregnant, other factions react with sabotage, poison, and open rivalry. Meanwhile, Lady Botan implements a rule that the Emperor must visit a different concubine each night, which changes the balance among the women.
Supernatural elements
The story links the Ōoku’s emotional tensions to mononoke — supernatural beings drawn to intense feelings. In this film, a specific yokai called the Hinezumi appears; it is shown taking the form of mice and is associated with those who desire successful childbirth. The Hinezumi’s interventions are tied to the film’s central conflict over heirs and power.
Visual style and motifs
The film uses a visual style inspired by ukiyo-e woodblock art and features bright, vivid colors. Scene transitions often resemble tapestry-like images. In addition, the film repeats fire and smoke imagery: fire appears as a recurring visual motif, and when the Hinezumi acts the result includes charred bodies. Smoke trails also follow characters, shifting in color from grey to black as events escalate.
Structure and continuity
The Ashes of Rage assumes viewers have seen the earlier film for context, since it continues plot threads and character relationships without extended exposition. The production keeps multiple narrative threads and visual puzzles that viewers may notice more on repeat viewings.
Where to watch and next steps
The film is streaming on Netflix now. According to release schedules, the third and final film in this movie trilogy is set to arrive in 2026.
