
Unbound 2017
Directed by Maggie Mahrt, *Unbound (2017)* is a haunting 11-minute fantasy-drama that reimagines turn-of-the-century Japan through a surreal and allegorical lens.
Director: Maggie Mahrt
Cast






Frequently Asked Questions
What is Unbound (2017) about?
Set in early 20th-century Japan, *Unbound* follows Kitsune, a young woman working in a sinister silk factory to save her struggling family. Her life takes a horrifying turn when her body begins transforming into a silkworm, mirroring the fate of the very product she's forced to produce. The short film blends fantasy and drama to critique exploitation and dehumanization.
Who directed Unbound?
The film was directed by Maggie Mahrt, a filmmaker known for her evocative storytelling and visual style in short films and experimental works.
Who stars in Unbound?
The film features Miya Cech, Atsuko Okatsuka, Monique Kim, Gina Hiraizumi, and Rina Hoshino in key roles.
Is Unbound (2017) worth watching?
*Unbound* is a gripping 11-minute short that packs emotional weight and visual impact into its brief runtime. While it may not appeal to those seeking light entertainment, its bold allegory and striking imagery make it a memorable experience for fans of fantasy and drama with a dark edge.
How long is Unbound?
The film has a runtime of 11 minutes.
Unbound (2017): A Dark Fairy Tale of Sacrifice and Transformation — Full Movie Info
Directed by Maggie Mahrt, *Unbound (2017)* is a haunting 11-minute fantasy-drama that reimagines turn-of-the-century Japan through a surreal and allegorical lens. The film follows Kitsune, a young woman toiling in a shadowy silk factory, where her desperate quest to rescue her impoverished family takes a chilling turn as her body undergoes a grotesque transformation into a silkworm. Mahrt weaves themes of exploitation, labor, and identity into a visually striking narrative, blending historical realism with unsettling body horror. The eerie atmosphere and symbolic storytelling create a short film that lingers long after the credits roll.
With a standout cast including Miya Cech and Atsuko Okatsuka, *Unbound (2017)* stands out as a bold exploration of sacrifice and alienation in a world that treats people as commodities. The film's allegorical approach invites viewers to reflect on the price of survival and the blurred lines between humanity and exploitation.