March 15, 2024 (Levittown NY)– Exhuma (2024) is a Top Notch Thriller.  Director  Jang Jae-Hyun  masterfully tells the story of an unsettled spirit wreaking havoc on a 21st Century family in this modern horror classic.  This Well Go USA release hits limited release today, and broader theatrical release on March 22, 2024.

Synopsis:

Review:

Exhuma is a dark and engaging modern horror film from Director Jang Jae-Hyun.  It is a bold and worthy undertaking and worth watching.

I had previously read that the South Korean film market had a sweet spot for mid-budget horror films; however, since most of the titles we screen are action and martial arts films, I have not been exposed to too many in the horror genre. Exhuma falls solidly into that horror sweet spot.  Quite frankly, I did not know what to expect.  I was pleasantly surprised at how good Exhuma is.

This  film is a bold undertaking by Director Jang Jae-Hyun because it has become very typical for modern horror audiences to be subjected to elements of comedy, nudity, and sexual content in order to balance the horror elements.   These elements also distract viewers, quite often, from the lack of a solid story and good film Direction.

This film takes a dramatically different approach.   The film handles its subject matter very seriously.  The approach is akin to a modern dramatic film, founded on its belief in its story, its cast, and its Direction.  Horror films, taken too seriously, and missing the proper tone, can be disastrous experiences for the audiences.  Jae-Hyun, seemingly, believed that these core, stripped down elements of this film would be sufficient to satisfy the viewer.   That bold gamble paid off.   The film has the makings of  a modern horror classic.

The cast is stellar.   Choi Min-Sik, the star of one of 2010’s best films, I Saw The Devil, stars as a Geomancer called together with a group of paranormal professionals to investigate a strange infant illness that has deep roots in the ancestral roots of a prominent Korean Family.  The entire cast is believable, and compelling, and very suited for this film.

The Direction, Cinematography, and locations all add to the truly eerie and interesting nature of this film.  The film is broken up into six (6) chapters, which make its story more easily digestible.  While most horror movies tend to be closer to the ninety (90) minute mark, this one is over two (2) hours; so the chapter format does a good job of breaking up the story into more manageable blocks for the audience.

While the film has some elements that are deeply rooted in 20th Century Korean history, culture, and Sociology, lack of prior knowledge of any of these subjects does not distract from the impact and enjoyment of the film.  The films precise attention to Korean mythological and mystic rituals, and extraordinary people, makes for a compelling viewing.

Exhuma is just good filmmaking, and well worth watching.   I would see it in the theater if you can.  The  lighting,  the effects, and the music lend themselves and enhanced theater experience.

The film is in Korean, with some elements of Japanese language.  It contains English subtitles.

Exhuma, the Well Go USA Entertainment is in limited theatrical on March 15, 2024, and releases to broader theatergoers on March 22, 2024. 

You can find out more about this film at: https://wellgousa.com/films/exhuma