Parasyte: Part 1

Across the globe a string of brutal murders unsettles people, nicknamed the Mincemeat murders. A high school student, Izumi Shinichi, finds his life upended when a mysterious parasite attaches to him and replaces his right hand, becoming Migi, a covert consciousness sharing his body. At first the partnership is uneasy, with Shinichi trying to keep the alien presence hidden while learning its strange abilities. As inexplicable deaths pile up, he realizes others are also touched by similar creatures and that their intentions diverge. The film tracks their fragile alliance as they confront dangerous situations and wrestle with questions about humanity, survival, and identity. He discovers the parasite has its own aims, challenging his trust in friends and family as well.

Directed by Takashi Yamazaki and released in 2014, Parasyte Part 1 adapts Hitoshi Iwaaki's manga with a screenplay by Ryota Kosawa, pairing science fiction with horror and action in a live action frame. The cast shines and visuals heighten tension.

Worldwide box office reached approximately 9.65 million dollars, reflecting a modest but steady reception for a Japanese genre blend of science fiction, horror and drama. It found audiences in both domestic markets and international festivals without becoming a global blockbuster.

The film helped bring the dark, body horror flair of the original manga to a broader audience and sparked discussions about what makes humans humane when faced with parasitic intruders. Its visuals and the dynamic between Shinichi and Migi left a mark among fans and inspired cosplay and fan art.

Critics generally praised the mood and performances, with Shota Sometani and Ai Hashimoto delivering grounded portrayals that anchor the sci fi concepts in everyday life. The film probes coexistence, identity, and moral ambiguity as ordinary life collides with an alien threat. Its humane focus keeps science fiction grounded and clear.