'Exhuma' (2024) Review

Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Kim Hye-soo, Park Hae-soo

Director: Bong Joon-ho

Music Director: Jung Jae-il

Genre: Horror

Language: Korean

Country: South Korea

Plot:

In "Exhuma," a small rural village is plagued by mysterious deaths and supernatural occurrences. A renowned shaman, played by Kim Hye-soo, is called upon to investigate and cleanse the village of its evil spirits. As she delves deeper into the history of the village, she uncovers a dark secret that has been buried for generations. Alongside her, a skeptical police officer, played by Park Hae-soo, begins to see the unexplainable and is drawn into a world he never believed existed. As the two work together, they must confront their own pasts and the terrifying force that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear.

Performance of the Actors

The actors in "Exhuma" deliver commendable performances, adding depth to the film's eerie atmosphere:

• Lee Jung-jae excels in his role as the old grave digger, bringing a lifelike authenticity to his character that enhances the film's unsettling mood.
• Kim Hye-soo stands out as the shaman, embodying her role with a convincing intensity that captivates the audience.
• The actress who portrays the ritual girl is equally impressive, her performance resonating strongly and leaving a lasting impact.
• Park Hae-soo delivers a solid performance as the skeptical police officer, adding depth to his character's journey from skepticism to belief.
• Supporting characters also deliver strong performances, contributing effectively to the film's overall narrative and tension.

Technical Aspects

• Direction: Director Bong Joon-ho attempts a fresh take on the horror genre, but the narrative shift midway through the film may alienate some viewers. His approach starts strong but loses its grip, failing to keep the audience consistently engaged.
• Cinematography: The cinematography is adequate, neither exceptional nor poor, capturing the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of the village effectively.
• Editing: The editing is well-executed, maintaining a coherent flow despite the film's pacing issues.
• Music: The music by Jung Jae-il doesn't stand out. It lacks the haunting quality needed to elevate the film's tension and mood.

Strengths

• Korean-style Treatment of Ghosts: The film excels in portraying ghosts in a manner deeply rooted in Korean folklore, offering a fresh take for international audiences.
• Performances by the Actors: The cast delivers strong performances, bringing depth to their characters and elevating the film's emotional and suspenseful moments.
• Ritual Scenes: The depiction of traditional Korean rituals adds an authentic and intriguing layer to the horror elements, making these scenes particularly memorable.

Weaknesses

• Plot Change: The shift in the storyline might not appeal to all, as it moves away from the initial horror premise towards something less engaging.
• Ending: The conclusion of the film feels underwhelming, lacking the punch that a strong horror film needs to leave a lasting impact.
• Pace: The pacing of the film is uneven, with certain segments dragging and diminishing the overall tension and excitement.
• Music: The soundtrack fails to enhance the eerie atmosphere, falling short of what a horror film requires.

My Personal Take on the Cinema

"Exhuma" stands as a film with potential but ultimately delivers a mediocre experience. It has a few exciting elements and intriguing scenes, particularly those involving traditional Korean rituals. These aspects bring a fresh perspective to the horror genre. However, the overall story fails to maintain a high level of interest, and the film does not consistently engage viewers. While the cultural and historical elements may resonate more with Korean audiences, the film might not hold the same appeal for others.

Rating: 2.5/5