Exhuma is a 2024 South Korean supernatural horror film written and directed by Jang Jae-hyun, and starring Choi Min-sik, Kim Go-eun, Yoo Hae-jin and Lee Do-hyun. The film revolves around a family looking for help from a shaman due to the youngest seemingly being cursed. We see as the shaman will need to enlist the help of a feng shui master, her protege, and a funeral director to put an end to all of this.

The film was definitely one of the most atmospheric horror films I’ve seen in quite some time. Exhuma slowly descends into its dark and ominous story. We see as characters begin to unravel and lose hope throughout its run time. The use of culture and history added to the horrors make it that much more impactful as well. All films of course are political, but the way Exhuma interlaces the dark history between Japan and Korea is something to witness. It’s almost like a dark poem about the effects and atrocities of colonialism.

Jang Jae-hyun is able to craft a story that slowly evolves into something more sinister than we ever expected. I really enjoyed how the story begins with one curse only to unravel something much more horrific. Exhuma has some amazing designs when it comes to the horrors from beyond. One design in particular in the third act really took my breath away. We get a lot of moments that truly terrified me but won’t get deep into those here to avoid spoilers. However, Exhuma has so much to say and can get dense at times. All of the information can be a bit much if you’re not too familiar with the country’s history. Although I do feel this only makes it a richer experience on a rewatch.

Kim Go-eun as Hwa-rim was incredible to see their arc from beginning to end. You truly see someone who believes they have it figured out only to realize they might not. The trajectory of her story was engaging and truly one to root for. Choi Min-sik as Kim Sang-dok as the feng shui master is one of the most endearing characters in Exhuma. In the likes of Hwa-rim they both get a chance to redeem themselves throughout and showcase the resilience of the human spirit. The rest of the cast as well really round out the film and deliver great performances.

Exhuma is a folk horror film that not only leaves you with a sense of dread but has some intense scares. The designs of the ghosts/spirits left me in awe and terror. Jang Jae-hyun is effective in being able to bring so many different elements to the film without being bogged down. However, there are moments where the pacing of the film can slow down, and it can take you out of it. It’s expected, however, when the film is trying to juggle various subjects, but all are important. Overall, the cast and direction are able to reel it back in when it begins to wander.

We Give Exhuma a 4/5.