Exhuma

I kept praying time would go slower so it doesn't end XD

I love everything about it from the outstanding cinematography to the perfectly "balanced" plot, it doesn't bore you with giving too much information and background story just enough to understand everything, and keeps you excited throughout the whole movie. I prefer these types of horror movies with eerie and gut-churning scenes with an interesting plot over movies with repetitive jumpscares and meaningless plots. The emotions the cast conveyed with their brilliant acting made me drown in the movie as if I were watching a real-life event live.
Sadly I had to watch this at home I wish they displayed it at where I live I would 100% go watch this at a cinema.

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A complex story trying to be scary

I didn't want to write a review cause I didn't understand the backstory very well and it took me a comment and three days to sequence all of it together. Nevertheless, I have to address the lost potential of this movie.
This movie is good. It's not a jumpscare kinda movie nor a liver-dropping but a layer-by-layer gore story. What initially starts as a grave awakening eventually escalates into a country-dividing curse-breaking ceremony. But saying the movie is one of the best horror movies is far-fetched cause honestly speaking it wasn't scary. As I explained, it was a detailed movie with intricate layers. Writing a complex story is a gamble because ppl need to understand for the fear to kick in but if the story is too complex and ppl don't understand, what's the point?? And I feel a lot of people who have horror as a main genre would agree with me.
In other words, think of this movie as a thesis. To the ppl who have read a lot of theses on this particular subject don't think this is any special but to others, it's written so that it makes it interesting.
The cast was the hype. I mean, LDH with tattoos, man, he can be the plot and KGE with those eyes. Yup, it was hyped. But honestly speaking, that's good for the movie. The other actors, I have seen rarely, but they slayed. Especially, scenes of doubt.
The music was the true hero. The BGM that ensued the creepy and eery feeling and the color contrast of places. Real nice.
Overall good movie for beginners. But needs to game up to the pros.

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Confusing backstory for international audiences

I'll start with the positives first. Acting was phenomenal, and so was the directing and cinematography. Loved the music too. Story also made sense and characters didn't make dumbass mistakes usually seen in horror movies. It was fairly entertaining and kept me at the edge of my seat as well. I'm not a fan of jump scares and I'm glad there weren't any.

Not so good: If you're not Korean, you'll probably have a hard time understanding the context. The whole metal stake thing was confusing to me and I had to google it separately to understand what the heck was going on. The Japanese demon(?) thing was poorly explained as well - like what was it, why was he cursed by the monk and buried with that Korean dude who supposedly was loyal to the Japanese colonial administration etc. Kim Go Eun's character was also badly fleshed out as well. her backstory was close to non-existent and we know almost nothing about her other than 1. she's a shaman, 2. she speaks Japanese, 3. she has 2 sisters. Like why does she speak Japanese? Did something happen in Japan with some Japan ghost? Why did she become a shaman? She's advertised as the lead so I'm not sure why we know so little about her. Setting up for a sequel maybe? Who knows. As a result, it was pretty hard to relate to the characters since we barely know anything about them. I was watching solely based on the plot and wanting to know why and what was happening, which honestly left me with more questions than answers. The demon CGI wasn't great and broke the immersion too. I much preferred the first half when it was about the grandfather's angry spirit.

Overall, this is a fairly entertaining movie that I do not regret watching. However if you're not Korean it might be difficult to appreciate the nuances in the plot.

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Just wow

i didnt go into this expecting much so it's nice to say i was pleasently suprised by how well done this was and how engaging it is. from the acting to the plot to all the suprises and twists, it kept my attention the whole 2 hours (hard to do). i loved every part of it. definitely reccommend
저는 이 영화에서 큰 기대를 하지 않았기 때문에 기분 좋게 놀랐다고 말할 수 있어서 좋습니다. 매우 훌륭하고 매력적입니다. 연기부터 줄거리, 모든 놀라움과 반전에 이르기까지 모든 것이 훌륭했습니다. 2시간 내내 저의 주의를 끌었습니다(하기 힘든 일). 저는 모든 부분이 마음에 들었습니다. 저는 이 영화를 꼭 추천합니다

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YOU SAW THE STILLS TOO HUH????

Decided to wath this because i was baited by that plane photo. I also happen to love both leads, esp LDH, seeing him all tatted up was just the icing on the cake.

Anyway,
If you spook easily, you have heart issues or anything related to these, please stay away.

The story was fantastic, well brought out, and you could follow it without having to pause and do the distant stare into an unseen camera because you cannot figure out what the hell is going on.
I actually got a little scared during the rituals and did a little google search to see if viewers were somewhat protected because apparently the chants were real.
I could relate to some of the context because where am from, weird things do happen if your deceased hates his resting place. I'm generally not superstitious but some things I do respect despite having no knowledge whatsoever, that being said, please watch this movie with an open mind...you'd enjoy it more.

KGE could shaman me anytime, girl worked that role I almost believed it. Also...WHO DID HER HAIR????????????? I LOVE YOUUUUUU.

WHO IN THE FUCKING HELL FINDS A GIANT ASS COFFIN SHOVED INTO THE EARTH WRAPPED IN BARBED WIRE AND THINKS...hmmm...let's pull it out. mf even had someone buried on top of him for crying out loud.
AHJUSSI!!!! SOMETHINGS WE DON'T DO EVEN FOR THE PLOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The ending was spectacular, and ending the giant samurai with blood drenched wood was so girly-boss of the geomancer... I do have a question though? Why did was he bleeding towards the end????
Is there part 2????????

Unpopular opinion... hearing the Monks name should have been the first sign to get the hell out ...fuck 500 million...wait no 500 million could have me vibing with the ghost....butttttt.

P.S
WHEN YOU SEE SOMETHING WEIRD, A WEIRD FOREST WITH WEIRD PLANTS AND WEIRD FOXES AND A WEIRD SNAKE WITH A HUMAN HEAD....YOU DIDN'T SEE SHIT, TURN AROUND AND WALK YOUR ASS BACK HOME.

Thank you for reading my rant...sorry my review..

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Between the living and the dead

Exhuma is an explosive mixture of south korean folklore and mythicism. It effectively evokes the universal dread and mystery regarding the afterlife.

Our group of leading characters are the perfect bridge between the spiritual and supernatural, never quite here or there, always between the two worlds. Great atmosphere, never looses the steam, with memorable moments.

But then it reaches the mid point of the film. This is a strong story, but the uneasiness and tension goes away, and never quite reaches the same high as the first half.

This film is ambitious and creative. The cinematography outstanding and visually delivering the eerie emotions you are supposed to feel in every scene. It helps that the effects are mostly practical as well, which it's marvelous to watch nowadays.

Horror film fans will be satisfied but this story is more of a mix of genres. There are no traditional jump scares but very well crafted world building and character development that will immerse you in the film experience.

I do recommend watching this film without knowing anything about the story or the characters for a bigger impact.

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Worth watching

Nowadays it’s hard to find a good horror movie that can be actually described as horror. And this one definitely was the one I was searching for. From the beginning to the end every character was good written and the actors’s perfomance was amazing.

About the horror elements, it was definitely 10/10. The story showed something different and unexpected, every moment and scene were really interesting. This movie showed that it’s not necessarily for a horror movie to be all blood and chasing, which make me give it 10/10 about it. Strongly recommend to watch it.

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A 9.5/10 horror. Loved the ensemble cast in this genre

I love Horror genre.

This is a SERIOUS HORROR.
May not contain Jump Scares but is truly SCARY PSYCHOLOGICALLY.

The Vibe is DARK n gives CHILLS.
Will truly feel "The Ghost in the air, everywhere" sort of scary vibe, haha

It is not some easy-going Ghost story or the usual light horror trope, where there's a ghost possessing someone related to the protagonist n the protagonist with some help, wards it off easily.

***** CHARACTERS:
Here, Though the Protagonists are not the family members of the Possessed, they really struggle hard to save the person, risking their own lives.

The STRUGGLE involved, everyone DESPERATE to SAVE is TIRING.
At some point, the characters may be left with no clue or no way to Save or Survive, all remain Helpless! :(

LOVED the TEAM WORK n Hard Work of all the characters!

Constantly, Keeps one on the Edge of one's Seat while watching them struggling hard n running around desparately to ward off the evil spirits
And creates a NAIL BITING Tension n Suspense, doubting how they will Save n Survive! :o

Haha, that Evil Spirit is a dirty one, not only insults with mind-twisting words to manipulate the minds, also tries to weaken the person whoever interacts with it :/

*****
Well Directed and well Acted by everyone.

CINEMATOGRAPHY is AMAZING.

This reminds me of the famous serious horrors that are psychological scary horrors, where Protagonists Struggle a lot to Save the Possessed, like
"The Exorcist" or few James Wan's horror movies ("Conjuring", "Insidious")
or Korean horrors "The Priests", "The Wailing"
or Thai horror anthology series "Angkhan Khlumpong" (all stories in this are serious n scary) etc.

***** ACTING:
Loved to watch the ENSEMBLE CAST in this genre.
(All my fav actors n actress :) )

Choi Min Shik never disappoints in delivering a good quality acting performance, whether it's a dark role or a psychopathic or a Serious Saviour like here :)

BTW, He in psychopathic roles, Scares Me!! 🤭
But Loved him here :)
U can feel a bit of relief, when U see him around, especially in scary or serious helpless situations here.

Kim Go Eun is as usual pretty n acted her role well.
It is so refreshing to see her in a Shaman role, performing the ritual n reciting all those ritual prose / songs / chants / prayers.

Lee Do Hyun is so handsome with that hair bun n tattoos, giving a Bad Boy Vibe! 😏

Kim Jae Chul is handsome ;)

CHASING AWAY an EVIL SPIRIT is TIRING for the Famous Actors too (Joking!! the Hype) 😂

*****
Rating - 9.5 / 10
(0.5 extra for Cinematography :) )

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Tradition, Terror, and the Unseen Forces of Exhuma

Some movies don’t just tell stories—they pull you into an experience, shaking your senses and making you question the veil between the known and the unknown. Exhuma does exactly that, weaving a rich tapestry of horror, mysticism, and history in a way that lingers long after the credits roll. Unlike your typical horror flick, which thrives on predictable jump scares and cheap thrills, Exhuma chooses a more refined approach, delivering terror through atmosphere, silence, and a masterful understanding of unseen horrors. It’s not just a ghost story; it’s a chilling excavation of Korea’s spiritual traditions, its historical scars, and the eerie consequences of disturbing what should have been left untouched.

At its core, Exhuma follows a wealthy family in Los Angeles plagued by supernatural disturbances. Enter Hwa-rim (Kim Go-eun), a powerful young Mudang (shaman), and her apprentice Bong-gil (Lee Do-hyun). Their investigation leads them back to Korea, where they seek the expertise of renowned geomancer Sang-deok (Choi Min-sik) and undertaker Young-Geun (Yu Hae-jin). The cause of the disturbances? A family ancestor buried in a sinister location—one that calls out to the living with a phenomenon known as “Grave Calling.” When they unearth the burial site, they unknowingly unleash something far more malevolent than they ever anticipated.

What sets Exhuma apart is its ability to balance the ancient with the modern, creating a hypnotic dance between Korea’s deep-rooted shamanistic beliefs and the stark rationality of contemporary society. This clash of old and new is most evident in the contrast between the Mudang and the Onmyoji. While both are spiritual practitioners, the Mudang primarily focuses on appeasement and harmony—guiding spirits to peace and offering rituals of reconciliation. Onmyoji, on the other hand, stems from Japan’s esoteric cosmology and leans more toward exorcism, banishment, and, at times, the deliberate use of curses. Understanding this difference adds an extra layer of depth to Exhuma, as the film subtly critiques Korea’s historical subjugation under Japanese rule. It’s not just about spirits and graves—it’s about cultural erasure, the lingering effects of colonization, and reclaiming what was lost.

Visually, Exhuma is a masterclass in horror cinematography. It plays with darkness and reflections in ways that feel disturbingly intimate, leaving the audience constantly on edge. Spirits are never thrown at the screen with dramatic musical stingers; they appear briefly in mirrors, in the corner of a frame, or in the sheen of a polished surface. There’s no build-up to warn you—they simply exist, making their presence feel eerily close. The film’s use of muted tones and sudden bursts of fiery red further accentuates the contrast between tranquility and rage, peace and vengeance. And the sound design? Absolutely stellar. It understands the power of silence, allowing tension to creep in organically, punctuated only by the rhythmic chants and sharp percussions of Mudang rituals.

Kim Go-eun’s performance as Hwa-rim is nothing short of mesmerizing. She completely disappears into her role, embodying the essence of a Mudang with haunting authenticity. Her ritual dances are hypnotic, her presence commanding, and there’s an intensity in her eyes that makes it impossible to look away. There’s even a bit of chilling trivia—after one particularly powerful shamanic ritual scene, the production team reportedly brought in a real-life shaman to counteract any unintended spiritual disturbances. That’s the level of immersion we’re talking about. Lee Do-hyun, playing her apprentice, impresses with his ability to seamlessly shift between his normal self and moments of possession, making his transformation utterly believable. Meanwhile, Choi Min-sik and Yu Hae-jin bring a grounded gravitas to the film, rounding out a phenomenal ensemble cast.

But for all its brilliance, Exhuma isn’t without flaws. Its first half is near-perfect, utilizing psychological terror in a way that keeps you at the edge of your seat, never quite sure if what you’re seeing is real or imagined. The second half, however, takes a slight tonal shift, moving from eerie atmospheric horror to a more conventional “face-the-demon” climax. While this progression makes sense narratively, the transition feels a bit abrupt, and some might find the direct confrontation with evil less effective than the earlier subtle scares. That said, it never derails the film’s impact, only slightly altering its flavor.

Another potential hurdle is the film’s reliance on occult themes deeply rooted in Korean and Japanese culture. For international audiences unfamiliar with the historical and spiritual context, some nuances may be lost. But even without that background knowledge, Exhuma still manages to captivate, which speaks volumes about its execution.

Ultimately, Exhuma is more than just a horror film—it’s a love letter to Korea’s shamanistic heritage, a critique of historical injustices, and a meticulously crafted exploration of fear, both seen and unseen. It doesn’t just aim to scare you; it aims to make you think, to make you feel the weight of generations past pressing against the present. It’s unsettling, awe-inspiring, and, by the end, oddly enlightening. If you have even the slightest interest in the occult, in history, or in horror that goes beyond cheap thrills, Exhuma is an absolute must-watch.

Score: 8.5/10 - Great, Worth Watching 🔥
Strong performances, engaging storytelling, and solid execution. Maybe a few flaws here and there, but overall, a drama that delivers and is worth the time.

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