Exhuma: A Chilling Descent into Korea’s Dark Past

In the realm of horror, it’s not uncommon to see characters disregard common sense, venturing into the unknown despite ominous warnings. In Jang Jae-Hyun’s Exhuma, this trope takes on a unique twist, as an affluent Korean-American family’s decision to exhume their grandfather’s remains sets off a chain of terrifying events.

The film begins with a familiar horror setup, introducing an evil spirit that haunts a Korean-American family across generations. As the family’s newborns die and one child falls ill, they seek the help of a shaman (Kim Go-eun) and a diviner (Choi Min-sik) to uncover the source of the curse. The shaman’s explanation, dubbed “Grave’s Call,” hints at a dark past that refuses to stay buried.

The mystical world of Korean shamanism

The first half of Exhuma unfolds like a conventional horror film, but Jae-Hyun’s world-building soon immerses us in a mystical realm of silence, atmospherics, and minimal jump scares. As the story delves deeper into Korea’s tumultuous past, particularly its complex relationship with Japan, the film’s unique blend of myth, legend, and realism begins to take shape.

One of the central characters, a soldier’s spirit, serves as a poignant reminder of the Imjin War’s haunting legacy. The juxtaposition of historical imagery with horror sequences is a masterstroke, weaving together a rich tapestry of Korean folklore and culture.

A glimpse into Korea’s tumultuous past

As the film progresses, it seamlessly incorporates the history of grave robbers in Korea, adding depth to the narrative without digressing from the main plot. The result is a cinematic experience that’s both a cultural allegory and a horror feature, infused with a subtle sense of humor.

The execution is exemplary, with standout sequences that showcase the film’s eerie atmosphere. A memorable scene features flames segueing into a hospital bed, while another showcases a snake with a human head, shot with urgency and tension.

A real Buddhist tattoo adds a touch of realism

Exhuma is a nerve-racking experience that crawls under your skin, leaving a lasting impact. By exploring the perils of digging up the past, the film masterfully weaves together folklore, myth, and realism, creating a truly unsettling horror experience.

The haunting world of Exhuma