Exhuma (2024), a South Korean supernatural horror directed by Jang Jae-hyun, offers a chilling exploration of generational curses, historical trauma, and the supernatural. Through an immersive narrative and striking visuals, it has cemented its place as a standout in modern horror.
A Unique Premise Rooted in History
At the heart of Exhuma lies a seemingly straightforward task: relocating a cursed grave for a wealthy family. This act of unearthing unleashes a harrowing chain of events, as ancient evils intertwine with deeply buried truths about Korea’s colonial history. The curse’s origins are linked to the Japanese occupation of Korea, providing a historical subtext that adds depth and meaning to the unfolding horror.
The film highlights how unresolved historical traumas can haunt not only individuals but entire societies, making the curse a metaphor for collective memory and pain.
Memorable Characters and Performances
The ensemble cast delivers gripping performances, portraying characters whose personal stories intersect with the supernatural elements of the plot.
- Choi Min-sik plays Kim Sang-deok, a feng shui master whose expertise is pivotal to the excavation.
- Kim Go-eun stars as Lee Hwa-rim, a determined yet haunted shaman with her own ties to the curse.
- Lee Do-hyun portrays Yoon Bong-gil, a young and skeptical apprentice shaman drawn into the chaos.
- Yoo Hae-jin, as the undertaker Yeong-geun, provides a mix of levity and humanity in the grim tale.
These layered characters add emotional weight, making their plight resonate with viewers as they confront both supernatural threats and personal demons.
A Commitment to Practical Effects
Director Jang Jae-hyun emphasized authenticity in creating the film’s atmosphere. Avoiding heavy reliance on CGI, the production team used real sets, intricate makeup, and carefully crafted props to bring the horrors to life. Ghostly apparitions were portrayed by actors undergoing hours of makeup, ensuring a tangible and unsettling presence.
This commitment to realism enhances the film’s immersive quality, making every shadow, creak, and spectral figure feel immediate and unnervingly real.
Building Tension Through Setting and Atmosphere
The majority of Exhuma unfolds in isolated, claustrophobic locations—abandoned cemeteries, crumbling estates, and dark forests. These settings are rich in detail, amplifying the film’s eerie tone. The sound design, with its ominous whispers and sudden bursts of noise, keeps viewers on edge, while the dim lighting and strategic camera work heighten the sense of dread.
The juxtaposition of vast, open landscapes with confined interiors mirrors the characters’ psychological state—free yet trapped, both physically and spiritually.
Themes of Legacy and Memory
One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its exploration of legacy. The cursed grave symbolizes unresolved pasts that refuse to stay buried, forcing the characters—and, by extension, society—to confront them.
The narrative poses profound questions: How do we deal with inherited guilt? Can we ever truly escape the consequences of our ancestors’ actions? These themes resonate far beyond the realm of horror, offering a poignant reflection on history and responsibility.
Critical Reception and Impact
Exhuma premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2024 to critical acclaim, praised for its originality and emotional depth. The film was particularly lauded for intertwining its supernatural story with Korea’s historical context, offering a layered and thought-provoking experience.
Commercially, the film broke records in South Korea, becoming the highest-grossing horror film of the year. Its success extended internationally, resonating with audiences across Asia, North America, and Europe. Critics highlighted its ability to blend traditional horror tropes with a culturally specific narrative, making it both universally terrifying and uniquely Korean.
Cultural and Global Significance
As part of a growing wave of Korean horror films, Exhuma reinforces the global appeal of stories rooted in cultural authenticity. The film’s integration of shamanistic rituals, folklore, and historical events provides a fresh perspective on the horror genre, showcasing its versatility as a medium for storytelling.
The film also reflects a broader trend in contemporary cinema: using horror as a vehicle to address societal issues. By confronting historical injustices through its chilling narrative, Exhuma demonstrates the genre’s potential to provoke thought as well as fear.
