Laplace's Witch (2018)
Takashi Miike's science-driven mystery thriller adapted from Keigo Higashino's acclaimed novel about suspicious deaths and a woman who defies the laws of chance.
Laplace's Witch - Movie Information
- Original Title: ラプラスの魔女
- Release Year: 2018
- Directed by: Takashi Miike
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Mystery, Crime, Sci-Fi
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 4, 2018 (Japan), May 9, 2019 (South Korea - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Phù Thủy Của Laplace (VN), Laplace's Witch (US), ラプラスの魔女：2018 (JP), 라플라스의 마녀 (KR)
- Production Companies: TOHO, OLM, dentsu, J Storm, KADOKAWA, Toho Pictures, Raku Film, jeki, Tohan, KDDI
- Production Countries: Japan
Laplace's Witch - Plot
An environmental analyst is asked by the police to determine if two deaths by hydrogen sulfide poisoning are an accident - or a murder. But when he meets a young woman at both sites, a scientific mystery begins.
Laplace's Witch - Trailer
See the mystery unfold in the official trailer for Laplace's Witch.
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Laplace's Witch - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Takashi Miike
Main Cast
- Sho Sakurai
- Suzu Hirose
- Sota Fukushi
- Tao Okamoto
- Lily Franky
- Mirai Shida
- Hiroshi Tamaki
- Eriko Sato
- Etsushi Toyokawa
- Masanobu Takashima
Writers
- Hiroyuki Yatsu
Producers
- Shigeji Maeda
- Misako Saka
- Shinnosuke Usui
- Hisashi Usui
- Akihiro Yamauchi
Laplace's Witch - FAQs
What is Laplace's Witch about?
Laplace's Witch follows environmental analyst Shusuke Aoe, who is called in to investigate two seemingly accidental deaths caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. When a mysterious young woman named Madoka appears at both scenes, the case spirals into a mind-bending conspiracy blending science, fate, and human ability.
Is Laplace's Witch based on a book?
Yes, the film is adapted from Keigo Higashino's 2015 novel of the same name. Higashino is one of Japan's most celebrated crime fiction writers, known for intricate mysteries that weave science into their plots. The screenplay was adapted by Hiroyuki Yatsu.
Who are the main actors in Laplace's Witch?
The film stars Sho Sakurai as scientist Shusuke Aoe and Suzu Hirose as the enigmatic Madoka Uhara. Sota Fukushi, Tao Okamoto, Lily Franky, and Etsushi Toyokawa round out a strong ensemble cast that brings Higashino's complex characters to life.
Can Madoka really predict the weather in the film?
That's the central mystery. Madoka appears to anticipate atmospheric conditions with uncanny precision, which is where the film's title comes in — a reference to Laplace's Demon, the philosophical concept of a being that can predict all future events from present data. Whether her ability is supernatural or scientific is the film's driving question.
Who directed Laplace's Witch?
Takashi Miike directed the film. Miike is one of Japan's most prolific and versatile filmmakers, known for a wildly diverse output spanning horror, action, and drama. Laplace's Witch showcases his ability to handle cerebral, plot-driven material with a polished mainstream style.
What genre is Laplace's Witch?
It blends mystery, crime, and science fiction into a compelling puzzle. The film leans heavily on scientific concepts — particularly atmospheric chemistry and determinism — while delivering a tightly constructed whodunit. Fans of Keigo Higashino's other adaptations like Suspect X will feel right at home.
How was Laplace's Witch received by critics?
Critical reception was mixed. Many praised the film's atmospheric visuals, strong performances from Suzu Hirose and Sho Sakurai, and its ambitious scientific premise. Some felt the pacing in the second act slowed the momentum. Overall, it's regarded as an intriguing if uneven entry in the Higashino adaptation canon.
What are similar films to Laplace's Witch?
If you enjoyed Laplace's Witch, check out Midsummer's Equation (2013) and Suspect X (2008), both adapted from Keigo Higashino novels. Creepy (2016) and Retribution (2007) offer similarly dark Japanese crime atmospheres. For international fare, The Mirror Crack'd (1980) delivers classic mystery intrigue.
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