"Shiki" is a psychological horror anime set in the isolated village of Sotoba, where a series of mysterious deaths begin to occur during a sweltering summer. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of multiple characters, primarily focusing on Natsuno Yuuki, a brooding and antisocial teenager who recently moved to the village, and Toshio Ozaki, the village's dedicated but increasingly desperate doctor. As the death toll rises, Ozaki initially suspects an epidemic but soon uncovers a more sinister truth: the deaths are linked to the arrival of the Kirishiki family, who have recently moved into a mansion on the outskirts of the village.

The Kirishiki family, led by the enigmatic Tatsumi and the composed Sunako, are revealed to be shiki, or vampires, who prey on the villagers to sustain themselves. The shiki are not traditional vampires but rather reanimated corpses that retain their human memories and personalities, creating a moral ambiguity around their actions. As the villagers succumb to the shiki's influence, either through death or transformation, the survivors begin to piece together the truth. Natsuno, who harbors a deep distrust of the village and its traditions, becomes a key figure in resisting the shiki, while Ozaki struggles with his ethical boundaries as he seeks to eradicate the threat.

The story delves into themes of survival, morality, and the nature of humanity, as both the villagers and the shiki grapple with their actions and identities. The villagers, driven by fear and desperation, resort to increasingly brutal measures to protect themselves, blurring the line between victim and perpetrator. Meanwhile, the shiki, particularly Sunako, are portrayed as tragic figures, cursed with an existence that forces them to harm others to survive. The narrative builds toward a violent and emotionally charged climax, as the remaining villagers launch a final, desperate assault on the shiki, culminating in widespread destruction and loss.

Key supporting characters include Seishin Muroi, the village's compassionate but conflicted priest, who forms a bond with Sunako, and Megumi Shimizu, a young girl whose transformation into a shiki sets much of the story in motion. The series explores the psychological and emotional toll of the conflict on both sides, presenting a nuanced portrayal of fear, hatred, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their loved ones or their way of life. "Shiki" is a thought-provoking and unsettling exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of a chilling supernatural threat.