Pokemon: Lord of Fear

The movie had ended, yet the audience remained entranced by the final twist. Taden sat in his seat, lost in thought.

So Jamie had been ensnared in Mary Shaw's trap from the very beginning? Perhaps her decision to lure him back to his hometown was just a cruel, cat-and-mouse game. Taden also noted something unique about the film: there was almost no trace of Pokémon throughout.

Especially not Ghost-types.

"This is... fascinating," Taden murmured, his excitement building. He couldn't wait to share his thoughts on this groundbreaking horror film with others.

But as he stood up to leave, a new sequence began during the end credits—behind-the-scenes footage of Death Silence. The scenes featured humorous moments, including a sulking Lickitung prop, which lightened Taden's mood.

"Wouldn't this ruin the eerie atmosphere for the audience?" he pondered. "No… this might actually make the film more accessible to a broader audience."

Horror films had always occupied an awkward space in the League's entertainment industry. They typically revolved around nightmares, mental disorders, or Ghost Pokémon causing trouble. Ghost-types, in particular, were a staple of the genre's history. But Death Silence broke the mold.

The film was terrifying—so much so that even Taden, a seasoned horror enthusiast, felt uneasy throughout. However, such intensity might deter more timid viewers. The lighthearted behind-the-scenes footage helped release the tension, ensuring audiences could leave the theater with a positive impression.

For Taden, it was a refreshing approach he'd never seen before. For the first time, he stayed to watch the credits roll in their entirety, which only fueled his desire to share his experience.

That evening, Taden uploaded a new video review:

"Death Silence: A Film That Will Leave You Speechless"

"Hey, everyone, it's Taden! Today, we're diving into Death Silence, the hottest film right now. First off, let me say—this horror movie is in a league of its own. It's so unique it practically reinvents the genre."

"As many of you know, the League's horror films have been consistently disappointing, churning out a 3.8-rated flop every quarter. With their hollow plots, you can usually guess which celebrity will end up capturing the mischievous Ghost Pokémon just by reading the character descriptions."

"For those who follow my channel, you'll know the formula: protagonist travels → strange events unfold → challenges arise → it's revealed a Ghost Pokémon is responsible → the protagonist team overcomes the challenge → happily-ever-after ending. But Death Silence? It's different. In fact, it's so different that it sets a new standard for horror."

Taden's voice brimmed with excitement as he spoke. The video, edited with clips from the film's trailer and a parody video, showcased his growing enthusiasm.

"What's remarkable is that there are no visible Pokémon in this movie—or rather, all the Pokémon are hidden within the VFX credits. You'd never guess they were Pokémon while watching!"

"And yet, their presence permeates the entire film. For example, Champion Diantha from the Kalos region delivers an extraordinary performance that left me in awe."

"Honestly, when I first saw Diantha, I had my doubts. She's never been in a horror film before. Could her acting hold up? By the end, I was completely convinced—she's phenomenal."

"Oh, Arceus, why didn't I wait until after the premiere to record this review? I want to tell you everything—every brilliant scene, the masterful tension, and that incredible twist at the end. But I can't risk spoiling it for you!"

"All I can say is, Death Silence is a horror film worth watching again and again. The innovative storytelling and the absence of traditional Pokémon clichés make it a groundbreaking experience. I strongly recommend you go see it—it's a milestone for the genre!"

As Taden reviewed his video, he felt a twinge of frustration. He desperately wanted to discuss the film's stunning details and chilling finale but held back to preserve the audience's experience.

Unable to contain his excitement, he turned to social media and forums, eagerly joining discussions with those who had already seen the film.

Across various platforms, the buzz around Death Silence skyrocketed. Fans, horror enthusiasts, and plot aficionados planned second and third viewings to uncover hidden details they'd missed.

On search engines, Death Silence became a trending term, with countless users sharing their reactions.

In the Hoenn Horror Enthusiasts Group Chat:

[Deathly Quiet Hero: I've got to hand it to Edward—the director nailed it. The cold, muted tones alone create an atmosphere of pure dread and tension.]

[Mimikyu's Biggest Fan: I still love Mimikyu. Even though it's technically just a doll here, the eye movements and subtle expressions were so well done. It felt like a real puppet, rigid and eerie.]

[Retiring at 30: Nobody's talking about the ending? That's the highlight, come on!]

[Stellar Elegy: Stop it. There are people here who haven't seen it yet. Don't spoil it.]

[qdcn: Then kick out everyone who hasn't seen it so we can talk freely!]

"Hah! Kick out anyone who hasn't seen it?" Edward chuckled, scrolling through the lively discussions. The director felt a mix of amusement and excitement.

Despite his aspirations to become a leading horror director, Death Silence was still his debut. Edward couldn't help but wonder how the film's opening day performance would fare across the League.

Most importantly, he eagerly anticipated the rewards tied to the movie's success.