EXHUMA blends history and the occult, offering a fresh take on horror.
Stellar performances elevate the film, with Kim Go Eun's vocals leaving a lasting impression.
The narrative depth and attention to detail set EXHUMA apart from traditional horror fare.
A compelling exploration of human darkness alongside supernatural elements.
An immersive journey into South Korea's history and the mysteries of the occult awaits viewers.
Film Review: EXHUMA (2024) - A Call from the Grave
Unveiling the Secrets of a Haunted Legacy
When Hwa Rim (Kim Go Eun) and Bong Gil (Lee Do Hyun) seize an opportunity, they enlist the help of geomancer Sang Duk (Choi Min Sik) and mortician Young Geun (Yoo Hai Jin). A prosperous family is besieged by a generational curse, haunted by the Grave’s Calling. Hwa Rim, driven by the promise of a hefty reward, is resolute in her quest to confront the malevolent spirit calling from the grave.
Venturing towards the gravesite, an unsettling ambiance grips the quartet. The air thickens as they approach the mountain where the ancestor is laid to rest, foxes darting amidst the trees. Geomancer Sang Duk questions the peculiar choice of burial ground for a prestigious family’s forebear.
Watch Now: Exhuma | Official Trailer (2024)
Suspicions heighten upon reaching the gravesite. The aura is bleak, the soil unfertile - an unlikely resting place for a cherished relative. Sinister forces loom, potentially endangering them all.
More than Meets the Eye
After deliberation, they proceed with the exhumation to appease the angered ancestor. Led by Hwa Rim, they cautiously unearth the coffin, fraught with tension and uncertainty. Despite ominous signs, they retrieve the coffin unscathed.
Dark clouds loom overhead as they depart, foreboding events unfurling. Overseas, the deceased's family faces turmoil. Hwa Rim, Sang Duk, Bong Gil, and Young Geun grapple with their next steps as apparitions torment the family.
At the eleventh hour, the body is finally unearthed, yet a new horror emerges, setting the stage for an unsettling turn of events.
Review
EXHUMA defies conventional horror tropes, weaving history and the occult into a compelling narrative. Viewers are kept on edge, drawn into the mystery. The cast delivers stellar performances, with Kim Go Eun's haunting vocals and Choi Min Sik and Yoo Hai Jin's compelling portrayals standing out. Lee Do Hyun adds charm to the ensemble.
The film's meticulous attention to detail and narrative depth offer a refreshing take on horror. EXHUMA transcends mere supernatural scares, delving into the darkness within humanity.
A must-watch for fans of the occult and mystery genres, EXHUMA promises an immersive exploration of South Korea's history and the supernatural. Don't miss out on this masterful blend of suspense and intrigue.
FAQs
Literally translated, "unearthing and moving a grave"
Who Directed Exhuma: Jang Jae-hyun
Screenplay by Jang Jae-hyun
Casts of Exhuma: Choi Min-sik, Kim Go-eun, Yoo Hae-jin, Lee Do-hyun
Cinematography: Lee Mo-gae
Release date of Exhuma:
16 February 2024 (Berlinale)
22 February 2024 (South Korea)
Running time 134 minutes
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