(*) This article contains some details about the film
Exhuma is a supernatural horror film that debuted in South Korea in February. With a budget exceeding $16.8 million, it is expected to be one of the highest-grossing films in Korea in 2024.
The star-studded cast includes familiar names such as Choi Min Sik, Kim Go Eun, Yoo Hae Jin, and Lee Do Hyun, and the film has already received positive feedback from Vietnamese audiences.
In just the first week of release in Vietnam, the film grossed over 90 billion VND at the box office according to statistics from Box Office Vietnam , quickly surpassing Hollywood blockbusters like Dune 2: The Sand Planet and Kungfu Panda 4 , creating a new milestone.
A Dark Tale, Yet Familiar
The film begins with a tragic story of a family facing financial struggles. The father often hears strange noises, and his newborn son is sick, suffering from an unknown condition.
Worried for their family’s well-being, he calls upon two mediums, Hwa Rim (Kim Go Eun) and Bong Gil (Lee Do Hyun), to visit their home. Through a spiritual ritual, Hwa Rim discovers that the child’s illness stems from a hidden curse related to an old family heirloom.
They then seek the help of Sang Deok (Choi Min Sik) and investigator Yeong Geun (Yoo Hae Jin) to conduct a séance. However, after completing the ritual, they inadvertently release a malevolent spirit that threatens the family’s survival.
With no other choice, the family must work together to combat the evil entity and prevent it from wreaking further havoc.
As for the base plot, Exhuma follows a common formula seen in many horror films. The screenplay is crafted meticulously, divided into multiple chapters, each offering a unique twist that keeps the audience engaged.
Throughout the film, various secrets are unveiled, allowing the creators to build suspense and maintain viewer interest until the very end.
Creating Tension Through Spiritual Elements
The key aspect that attracts viewers to Exhuma is its spiritual themes intertwined with horror, reminiscent of Eastern culture. This is also a hallmark of many recent horror films such as Incantation from Taiwan and The Medium from Thailand.
The film adeptly incorporates spiritual elements and ghostly themes prevalent in Asian culture. However, the pacing of the ritual scenes is slightly slow, creating a realistic atmosphere for the audience.
Several images from the film.
The religious and folkloric elements of Korean culture are skillfully woven into the narrative, creating a consistently engaging atmosphere.
While the film does not rely heavily on jump scares, each scare is effectively crafted, surprising the audience. The sound design is also commendable, enhancing the impact of each scene.
The film also explores the connection between ghosts and historical elements, providing a layered narrative with depth. A particularly graphic scene caused the film to receive a T16 rating (restricted to audiences under 16) upon its release in Vietnam.
A Few Limitations
However, Exhuma is not without its flaws. The screenplay often tends to be predictable, failing to resolve certain plot points effectively.
Due to its focus on emotional depth, the film skims over the introduction of key characters. The audience may find it challenging to connect with the characters due to the limited background information provided.
After an initially promising start, the film loses momentum when the characters begin to appear. The dialogue can feel cliché at times, making the film lose some of its emotional impact.
The reliance on familiar tropes also diminishes the overall suspense, which is crucial for any horror film.
The performances of the cast are competent but do not leave a lasting impression. Lead actress Kim Go Eun delivers a strong performance, particularly in the dramatic scenes, but struggles with the more intense moments.
Veteran actor Choi Min Sik faces little challenge in portraying the seasoned medium. In contrast, Yoo Hae Jin’s character lacks depth and fails to stand out. The most notable appearance is by Lee Do Hyun, who, despite his charming looks, does not make a significant impact on the film.
Overall, Exhuma brings a fresh gust of wind to the Korean horror genre. However, the film still has considerable room for improvement in its screenplay. The story is well-structured in the beginning but loses momentum towards the end.
The success of the film primarily hinges on its star power and the marketing strategy employed by the team.
