Exhuma (2024)

Cultural identity, Scars of colonial trauma, and Globalization

It's always refreshing to see horror films that aren't based around the Christian frame work because everyone is influenced by the same Hollywood movies and western colonization. It's an even more impressive feat considering the director himself is Christian also. I really enjoy that the film is rooted in cultural knowledge that specifically the Korean audiences would be familiar with and doesn't do any exposition to handhold international audiences, because it doesn't have to. I see so many reviews that are so entitled to being catered to. There's a lot of cross cultural motifs in the film perhaps alluding to the past unease of forced mixing of cultures during the wartime versus the modern world where there are cultural exchanges through globalization with various soft powers. The cursed rich family hiring the shaman are Korean American, their ancestor unfortunately worked with the colonial Japanese military, and the geomancer's daughter marrying a German husband, even the Christian character Young Geun who assists in the geomancy and the shamanic rituals and does Christian prayers for his cohort who had been attacked by a Japanese curse demon.

The film opens with the shaman Hwa Rim being spoke to in Japanese by an Asian flight attendant on a flight of different ethnicities sitting around them. While Hwa Rim responds to the attendant's question in perfect Japanese, she also clarifies that she's Korean. Her cultural identity is important to her. She and her shaman assistant Bong Gil travel to St. Joseph's hospital to assess baby Joseph who is the latest first born son or remaining son afflicted of the family curse. St. Joseph is the earth father of Jesus, so Joseph carries the theme of the patrilineage. Hwa Rim clocks that the troubles stem from the grandfather who the characters later discovered the big family secret is that he was a high ranking officer who worked for the Colonial Japanese during that era, which is how recent it still is in the historical timeframe. Aside from weapons and atrocities, there was Japanization to force Koreans to remove their culture. The iron stakes refers to an urban legend that the Colonial Japanese installed them in specific places to break the spirit of the Korean people. No matter how loyal the grandfather was to the occupiers, they used him even in death for their scheme to protect the giant demon version of the iron stake made from a big sword and different pieces of bodies. His nameless, abandoned grave, turning him into an aggressive spirt that murders his own bloodline. The sparing visions of the ghost was more effective than dancing his tango loving daughter in law to death which was pretty silly. The ghost learned human technology really fast, using the phone to fool his grandson into ignoring the actual Sang Deok at the door. That's kind of silly, but points for flipping the script on the door banging being from the actual Sang Deok. They make sure to show that they had no choice, but to cremate the body on a rainy day to save baby Joseph, and so the guy who worked for the Japanese Colonial power will not have a good afterlife.

The cgi foxes could have been done better, but the human headed snake that screams was an effective creepy design, as was the reveal there is a vertical grave underneath the grandfather, and the giant demon shogun that feasts on humans that emerges from it. It was clever to have Geomancer Sang Deok's explanation about how his field revolves around the elements of wood, metal, fire, air, and water come back around by using wood and his own blood in place of water to defeat the monster comprised of metal and fire. Hwa Rim's fluent Japanese implied to be possibly related to her shamanism field requiring at least some knowledge of the shamanism from there with Japanese ghosts behaving differently on the danger scale, comes in clutch to understand what the shogun says and wants. Bong Gil manages to survive his encounter with the shogun by being covered mostly in tattoos of the Buddhist script, leaving the demon only being able to stab the liver area which was an unfortunate blank spot. Hwa Rim realizing this leads to a funny scene where she, Sang Deok, and Young Geun are covered in temporary tattoos of the Buddhist script while having to speak to the traffic controller at a stop to go back into the mountain area. The rag tag team defeat the evil, but they are still are still affected by their experiences, similar to how South Korean is still affected by what had happened to the country during the colonial rule. The team is bonded though surviving the trauma and Sang Deok incorporates them into his new blended family along with his German son in law in the the big family photo.

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disappointing

Exhuma promised spine-chilling horror but delivered predictable scares and a lackluster plot. Despite its atmospheric cinematography, the film relies too heavily on clichés and fails to innovate within the genre. Jump scares feel telegraphed, and the central mystery lacks depth, leaving viewers unsatisfied. While the cast delivers solid performances, they're stifled by a script that fails to engage
Visually, "Exhuma" delivers in spades, with atmospheric cinematography and expertly crafted set pieces that serve to heighten the sense of impending doom. From dimly lit corridors to decrepit graveyards, every location exudes an aura of malevolence, inviting viewers to lose themselves in the film's sinister world.However, where "Exhuma" truly falters is in its execution of scares and plot development. Despite the best efforts of the cast and crew, including standout performances from the lead actors, the film struggles to deliver genuine moments of terror. Jump scares are telegraphed well in advance, robbing them of their intended impact, while the central mystery lacks the complexity and depth needed to sustain interest. Ultimately, Exhuma falls short of my expectations.

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Overhyped movie?

This movie is good, one of the overhyped movie this year it considered as one of the top grossing movie this year maybe because of the castibg. I don't understand why it is talked about its not one of the best thrilling movies that I saw its just a typical ritual movie the story is very common.
The movie is not that bad its just a common story not that scary at all. The casting is great, they got the best actors in this film and they really did their best. The cinematography is great they got the best shots. It was nicely done.
Kim go Eun did a great job, she really nailed as a shaman, she really did the shaman chant excellently. I really love his acting here.
Lee Do Hyun is really given that his a good actor but he also did his exceptional acting skills in this film. But what caught my attention is that he looks hotter in this film.
Overall the movie is great and common, not worhy for an award.

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Slow Burn At Its Best

If you're out for a horror movie with plenty of jump scares, look elsewhere.

Unlike your typical horror movie, supernatural beings don't get "accidentally" summoned by a bunch of irresponsible drunken teenagers, there's no cringey "I'll be back" dialogues, no jump scares, no slamming furniture, flying objects and creaky floorboards, no adrenaline inducing score to keep you at the edge of your seat; just a clever blend of cultural folklore, metaphysics, pacing and build up.

Divided into six different acts, "Exhuma" tells the story of a shaman and a geomancer, who are recruited to help a rich family conduct an exhumation of their ancestral grave.

Act 1, introduces the audience to the leads, who they are, what they do, and slowly reel the audience in by placing an unpredictable twist at the end of each act, making the audience wonder and hunger for more. Just when you think that you're right, you couldn't be more wrong.

There are, however, some obvious loopholes in the film, which might have been cut for time ("Exhuma" has a runtime of 134mins) but those loopholes seem like forgettable side quests, that doesn't really affect the main storyline.

Everything is meticulously calculated, everyone knows very well what they are doing, everyone knows what they are getting into.... except the audience.

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what a good surprise

estou levemente impactado com este daqui. não estava esperando metade do que ele foi, fui assitir despretensiosamente e sai surpreso com a qualidade que ele entrega.

eu acho muito interessante acompanhar religião/mitologia ser tratado em filmes pois é sempre 8 ou 80 e aqui é um 80! eu achei de uma certa forma fascinante os elementos que são apresentados aqui, o modo como alguns rituais são feitos, artefatos que são apresentados e toda relação dos personagens com esses elementos. não é o tipo de terror que te assusta mas te faz aproveitar todo o tempo de duração

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Folklore occult horror that shouldn't be missed

Exhuma is an enthralling, unique exploration of intergenerational curses, national history, and spectral hauntings. Kim Go-eun easily carries the dramatic load and Choi Min-sik gives his role a grizzled, weary authority. The journey moves viewers from the ghostly to the monstrous with meaning and history behind the horror, and while there are thought-provoking elements at play here there’s also a desire to deliver big, creepy, gory, beautiful thrills. The inclusion of rituals and ceremonies with historical influences craft a tangible world the story exists in, not necessarily adding undeniable plausibility, but certainly introducing disturbing situations steeped in beliefs and tradition.

My Rating : 8/10

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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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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, the DESPARATION 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! 😲

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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A Haunting and Atmospheric Supernatural Thriller

I aim to keep my reviews short, spoiler-free, and focused on the key points to help you decide if a drama is worth your time. I never fast-forward and always strive to watch the entire movie to give a fair and thorough perspective.

Exhuma delivers a high-quality cinematic experience, blending supernatural horror with grounded yet fantastical shamanism. The film boasts a stellar cast, with each actor delivering compelling performances that add depth to the eerie narrative. The OST is perfectly fitting, enhancing the tension and mysticism without feeling intrusive.

While the movie maintains a strong atmosphere and well-crafted suspense, its runtime feels slightly stretched, with certain scenes lingering longer than necessary. However, the detailed approach helps immerse viewers in the ritualistic and supernatural elements, making it a gripping watch for those who appreciate slow-burning horror.

Overall, Exhuma is a well-executed film that balances folklore and fear, offering a chilling yet visually stunning experience.

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‘Mr Vampire’ in Korean version

This is a Korean take on Exorcism…some nostalgia familiarity to the good old Hong Kong movie, Mr Vampire. Watched this because of reviews.
I grew up watching Hong Kong horror drama involving exorcism, spirit and zombie. So I was pleasantly surprised by this movie which is based on Korean culture also has some similar elements such as rituals, calling spirit, Feng Shui, ancestors’ grave shifting, exorcism etc. It even had a darker urban legend as the back story about what Japanese Yin-Yang master done to Korean Feng Shui by breaking Korea into two countries. And there was a subtle theme of how a country and people survived this ordeal (war), trauma stays with them.
Brief plot without reviewing much, is about one veteran (a Feng Shui master), a funeral director and two new practitioners (a Sharman and her disciple), these four came together because of their client’s ancestor grave mystery and uncovered a darker past. Facing life danger situation, they will have to use their expertise to fight the unknown.
Brilliant writing, good pacing, good acting.
If you like this type of drama, this is definitely worth the watch.

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