A high school student watches her world spiral into terror as those around her turn into mindless followers in “New Group,” a Japanese body horror film that lands on Shudder November 6.

Director Yûta Shimotsu transforms simple gymnastics routines into what critics call “a nightmarish dance of death.” The film stars Anna Yamada as Ai, who witnesses a cult-like mentality spread through her community.

Shimotsu, who studied mechanical engineering before moving into filmmaking, made his feature debut with “Best Wishes to All” in 2023. “New Group” screened at Fantasia International Film Festival and Sitges Film Festival before its streaming release.

Early reviews highlight the film’s blend of horror and social criticism. Rue Morgue calls it “a most entertaining slice of weirdness…braced by an underpinning of social commentary.” Bloody Disgusting labels it “an incredible, unpredictable body horror masterpiece that doubles as an indicting satire of Japan’s society.”

The 82-minute film, written by Shimotsu and Momoko Sahara, also stars Yuzu Aoki and Pierre Taki. It joins Shudder’s growing library of international horror that uses genre filmmaking to examine cultural anxieties.