Korean movie Exhuma

Review of Korean Film “Exhuma”: When Spirits and History Collide in a Chilling Korean Thriller

If your child was born screaming, but doctors found nothing wrong, who would you call? A priest? A shaman?

In “Exhuma,” a desperate family turns to the paranormal…and discovers horrors far worse than they could have ever imagined.

History casts a long, dark shadow in the riveting supernatural thriller “Exhuma.”

When a curse plagues a family’s lineage, the answers lie not just with restless spirits, but within the nation’s own troubled past.

Plot of the Film “Exhuma”

A dark force lingers within a prestigious family, threatening their newborn heir. The relentless curse traces back to a malevolent energy tied to the family’s ancestral tomb.

Enter Kim Sang-duk (Choi Min-sik), a weathered geomancer, who leads a unique team—shaman Hwa-rim (Kim Go-eun), sidekick Bong-gil (Lee Do-hyun), and the practical funeral director Ko (Yoo Hai-jin).

Their mission: unearth the truth and exorcise the spirits haunting the Park family.

Inspiration

Director Jang Jae-hyun, known for his explorations of the supernatural in films like “The Priests” and “Svaha: The Sixth Finger,” crafts a masterpiece in Exhuma.

The film draws inspiration from chilling classics like “The Wailing” and “The Exorcist,” delving into the terrifying clash between ancient rituals and modern realities.

The Cast of Exhuma

The film boasts a powerhouse cast. Choi Min-sik‘s masterful portrayal of Kim Sang-duk anchors the film, exuding both wisdom and resilience.

Kim Go-eun shines as the enigmatic yet determined shaman Hwa-rim, and Yoo Hai-jin adds a touch of much-needed humor as the no-nonsense funeral director.

What’s in it for viewers

  • Nail-biting supernatural thrills: The film expertly builds suspense, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. Prepare for bone-chilling encounters and a terrifying atmosphere that will haunt you long after the credits roll.
  • Thought-provoking commentary: Exhuma transcends mere scares by exploring the lingering wounds of Korea’s past and highlighting the lasting consequences of buried sins.

Why the Film is worth watching

Exhuma is more than a horror flick; it’s a captivating journey into Korea’s rich folklore and complex history. The film masterfully weaves jump scares with profound themes, offering a uniquely terrifying and thought-provoking experience.

Significance of the Film Exhuma

Exhuma stands tall as a testament to the power of Korean cinema. The film marks a significant moment as it boldly blends horror with social commentary, reflecting a growing trend in Korean filmmaking.

Don’t be surprised if this groundbreaking film sets the standard for a new era of intelligent and chilling Korean thrillers.

Source: South China Morning Post