- Release year: 2024
- Director: Jang Jae-hyun.
- Producers: Park Hyeong Jin and Kwon Ji Yong.
- Screenplay by: Jang Jae-hyun.
- Cinematography by: Lee Mo-gae.
- Music by: Kim Tae-seong.
Synopsis: a team of grave-exhuming experts is going to put a corpse to rest when they discover that their mission is a lot more tricky than they thought.
Shotgun Commentary: scary but manageable, perfect for the lovers of the paranormal.
Source: Exhuma (Jang Jae-hyun, 2024).
Review
Exhuma is a horror movie with very curious protagonists: two shamans and two geomancers. Together, they will try to help a family tormented by the ghost of an ancestor. Things go south when some unprofessional people get involved, and sh*t hits the fan when the true depth of the issue is discovered.
Nuggets of knowledge
Korean shamanism is not the most common of subjects and, even if the film is not particularly accurate describing their practices and beliefs, it does a great job at putting this religion in the spotlight. It is strange for this kind of knowledge to reach the western population, since its media and culture is pretty self-centred. Products like this awaken the curiosity of a wider audience, providing the possibility for spectators all around the world to get to know about the existence of certain practices.
A quick research will confirm that the rituals performed in Exhuma, although based on reality, are not exactly precise. Apparently, they have been modified for dramatic purposes, making one hell of a fascinating film.
There is also the matter of the graveyard geomancy, which looks quite legit overall, and it is incredibly intriguing. A piece of Korean culture that we now get to taste in the Western countries thanks to this film. That is not to say that this is the only piece of entertainment to share this, rather that this is a great bridge for horror fans to receive the information.
Adequate storyline
The second part of the film is more focused on spirits and coffins than rituals. In a narrative that combined The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016) and The Mummy (1999), a spirit is set free by an irresponsible character, giving way to the second half of the film, when the narrative gets a few shades darker. An uruk-hai-looking, shogun-ish giant is the villain of the story. He quickly attacks the most innocuous characters and then goes back to…well, to do nothing, really.
The reason why he is woken up from his slumber is flimsy, and why the team decide to fight it is inexplicable at best. Nevertheless, it happens, and while it might not make much sense the more you think about it, if you just roll with it, you will find yourself enjoying a pretty cool movie.
Great cast
One of the best features of the film is its characters. The team of weirdos that face the big bad are charming and likeable in their own ways. Their personalities are archetypical, so much so that they resemble the cast of a video game more than one of a film, but they make a somewhat balanced team, so it is enjoyable regardless.
There are two “old men”, the wise and the grumpy, a sort of yin yang of grave exhuming. They bring the knowledge and the experience. Choi Min-sik and Yoo Hae-jin play this couple of exhumers, and they do so brilliantly. Choi brings the common sense while Yoo brings the humour, producing a balanced dynamic that interacts perfectly with the other two members of the group.
This other half of the group is made by two young and daring shamans, an experienced one and her apprentice. They handle the ritualistic part of the process as well as bringing the style and the nose for business. Lee Do-hyun as Bong-gil, the shaman apprentice, is wonderful in a role that looks quite demanding. As for Kim Go-eun in the part of shaman master delivers a powerful dramatic performance.
All in all, Exhuma is a fascinating look into the Korean supernatural lore. The characters are easy to empathise with, which makes their story engaging, and the evil they fight unravels at just the right pace to keep you glued to the screen.
Advice to take from this movie:
- If someone put a lot of effort into making a coffin impossible to get out of, maybe there’s a good reason, just saying.
- If you are doing some dangerous, potentially deadly, stuff and someone tells you to run, RUN.
- Covering yourself with a protective charm makes no sense if you leave a weak spot.
Source: Exhuma (Jang Jae-hyun, 2024).
What’s your take? Have you watched Exhuma? Did you know about the culture shown on screen? What do you think of its representation? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message in my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀