Taiwanese horror has found its comfort zone in Taoism, and Mudborn is no exception. The film relies heavily on classic iconography: priests, rituals, and those paper talismans that are a staple of their cinema. However, the twist here is the use of virtual reality as a plot hook. This mix of the digital and the spiritual gives it a different feel, though it feels more like a wrapper than a deep exploration of the topic.
The movie doesn’t hold back when it comes to gore and explicit violence. They don't skimp on the blood. If you like horror movies with gore and straightforward jump scares, you’ll find plenty here.
Everything that happens can be seen coming from a mile away. There are no big surprises, and the plot follows the easiest path. Some elements feel very overused, like the pregnant wife used to gain sympathy or the priest who is introduced a bit clumsily into the story.
Mudborn is an entertaining choice if you are a fan of video game aesthetics, virtual reality themes, and Asian folk horror. It isn’t perfect, and its lack of subtlety is obvious, especially with an ending that leaves the door wide open for an inevitable sequel.
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This review may contain spoilers
Nice movie on taoism horror
Very good horror, I could only watch family/comedy/taoism horror type, and this has become the top in my taoism horror ranking.The plot is interwoven nicely, and the beginning is truly impactful. The taoism plot points also held up to scrutiny. Although the plot points surrounding hsu chuan is kinda forced, like how could he take so long to notice something is wrong with his wife? Also I feel like seeing ah yi spitting blood at the beginning should have made people wary, and then his call about taoist should made him alert but he is alone and just froze.
The actress who played muhua is incredible, all her expression were on point. Sadly I think the one who played hsu chuan isn’t as good. If we compare them when they’re possessed, hsu chuan expression sometimes are awkward and couldn’t convey the terror. Other cast didn’t have many important scenes so I can’t judge but they seem to be fine.
Also the credit seems to hint on another season so I’m waiting for it
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Great acting but story is predictable
The Movie starts off with very high hopes as we step into the lives of characters but midway story shows lack of writing and giving clear idea of what is happening to the viewers. The backstory of one of the main characters that is the shaman is missing and we do not see his motives to help our main couple .Overall its a mid if you really like horror movies revolving around haunted objects and rituals.
The acting was great but story was quite predictable and this movie did not offer anything new or different.
I still feel the concept of the story had so much potential but did not get churned out very well.
If you are a horror lover this might not exite you but it is surely its a one time watch.
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