Exhuma

"Kim" (Choi Min-sik) is what they call a geomancer. He advises people on the best places for them to bury their loved ones. It's all about feng shui. Woebetide anyone who gets it wrong for a disgruntled ancestor can come back and visit retribution on anyone who mucks that process up - just ask the grandchild who though he would retain grandma's false teeth as as souvenir! Anyway, the wealthy "Park" (Kim Jae-cheol) and his family appear to have a secret that he and the more spiritual pairing of "Hwarim" (Kim Go-eun) and "Bong Gil" (Lee Do-hyun) might be able to help with. Even as far away as in the United States, his family are being tormented by a spirit. They are all led to a remote grave atop a hill that is marked simply by a plain gravestone with no name, just some seemingly random numbers. The buried man was of some importance so the fact that his grave was not ideally placed (only 65/100 on the best plot to have scale) arouses suspicion. They proceed to exhume the uniquely carved juniper coffin and decide to cremate it, but it's considered unlucky to do this in wet weather so leaving it respectfully dressed, plan to complete the process in the morning. This is their first mistake for overnight it falls prey to an inquisitive member of their team who releases an even more menacing entity bent on revenge on all those who left him at 65%! That is just the start of their woes, though. Returning to the grave for a ritual, they discover an even larger, chain-wrapped, box buried vertically - and one with no name, neither! It's now we head straight into "Mummy" mode and the adventure really does pick up. Can they identify this leviathan of menace and terror and thwart it's centuries-old battle plan? I did quite enjoy this. It taps into a fascinating mix of mysticism and legend whilst adding a dose of modern day cynical exploitation (they get paid over $500,000 for their relocation "fee") and as the story moves along you wouldn't want to be a chicken - or a pig, either! The largely dark and wet scenarios work well with the sparing usual of visual effects and a strong ensemble performance that keeps the story of dreams and nightmares moving along well for 2¼ hours of well made and at times quite scary ancient horror.

For a long time now, South Korea has been impressing audiences around the world with very well produced and executed horror features, and "Pamyo" (2024) is no exception. This promising project stands out in all aspects, being above average.

The initial premise, involving voices of help when you close your eyes, sounds scary and intense, although the story develops into more complex plots throughout the first act. The cast and performances are a highlight of the film, with very convincing performances, especially in scenes involving rituals. Despite having impeccable photography, the most interesting element of the film is the plot, surrounded by symbolism and a rich mythology. The story develops differently from Western works, opting for few explanations, which requires the viewer's full attention to understand a good part of the work. Although the antagonist is not particularly memorable, he has a great design and delivers tense moments.

Jang Jae-hyun, director of the project, had already demonstrated his aptitude and commitment to the genre in "Sabaha" (2019), another horror production with excellent results. "Pamyo" once again confirms the director's skill, consolidating him as a director of great talent in his filmography.

"Exhuma" is a horror gem that demands your attention, despite its seemingly long runtime. Trust me; the payoff is worth every minute.

The movie cleverly unfolds in distinct chapters, each packing its own mini-climax. This approach, rather than overwhelming us with a convoluted plot, allows for a detailed and engaging exploration of "smaller" stories. I found myself invested in every chapter, thanks to the intriguing mysteries woven into each one. The storytelling is top-notch, blending visual and narrative clues seamlessly, ensuring that even the casual viewer can follow along.

What sets "Exhuma" apart for me is its refreshing take on horror. Instead of relying on cheap jumpscares, the film opts for atmospheric horror that keeps you on edge while pulling you deeper into the story. It's a balance of terror and curiosity that's executed brilliantly.

Now, to be fair, there are moments where the narrative feels a tad disjointed, making it a bit challenging to follow. Yet, the film's redeeming quality lies in its refusal to bombard you with ghosts every second. It takes its time, allowing the story to breathe and unfold naturally.

In the end, "Exhuma" isn't just another horror flick; it's a journey that respects your time and delivers a story worth experiencing. So, ignore the runtime concerns, and let this movie grip you with its unique blend of chills and storytelling finesse.

Disturbing, eerie, and tense, the first half of Exhuma is an explosive mixture of south korean folklore and mythicism. It effectively evokes the universal dread and mystery regarding the afterlife, and what we, people still living and walking on this earth, can and should do with regards to that. The spiritual and supernatural bridge dangling between the two worlds. It works excellently as a paranormal occult horror film. Great atmosphere, never looses the steam, with fairly memorable moments.

But then it reaches the mid point of the film, something happens that made me not exactly sure about how I feel about this film as whole. To be clear: I still did like it a lot and it is nonetheless a strong film, but the aforementioned uneasiness and tension quickly goes away, and never quite reaches the same high as the previous half. It is a reveal/decision that I do appreciate: it is ambitious, creative, and is a big swing that we do not often see in a south Korean film. Also helps that practical effects accompanying it are simply amazing. However, the tonal shift/jarring nature of it kinda turned me off. I do recommend going into the film completely blind!

Kinda torn between 3.5 and 4 stars. It the film carried the strengths of the first two acts to the third act, and kept the film more consistent, it easily would've been4 stars and maybe 4.5. Again, still a great film and I highly recommend this to anyone interested in horror films with uniquely korean/asian DNA embedded to it.

Exhuma is a South Korean horror film that has garnered critical acclaim for its suspenseful atmosphere and exploration of Korean folklore. The narrative delves into themes of family history and hidden truths, uncovering a chilling mystery. As the characters investigate deeper, they encounter a series of unexplained events that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural. Exhuma has been lauded for its unique blend of Korean folklore with classic horror tropes. This fresh approach is said to create a suspenseful and unsettling cinematic experience. Critics have also commended the film's slow-burn pacing, which keeps viewers engaged as the mystery gradually unfolds. Exhuma is likely to appeal to fans of horror cinema who enjoy films that weave cultural themes into their narratives.