If you’re a fan of international horror, you won’t want to miss Exhuma at this year’s Overlook Film Festival. This South Korean folk horror gem was written and directed by Jae-hyun Jang (The Priests, Svaha: The Sixth Finger). In the film, a group of experts in mysticism, science, and death are hired by a wealthy family to excavate an old family burial site in hopes of stopping a curse. What they find buried in the ground is much more than they bargained for, unleashing a power more dangerous than anything they have ever faced.

Exhuma is broken into chapters, lending to the folk horror elements of the film. Jang begins by introducing the characters separately, allowing the audience to get to know their personalities and jobs before eventually bringing them all together. Between the core characters, there is a unique blend of science and the paranormal that speaks to the old world embracing the modern world. Despite this, no time is wasted on injecting tension, building it up as these characters learn more and more about the strange burial site. There is also a lot of dedication to exploring more traditional Korean practices and traditions when it comes to death and burials, as well as lore around different types of spirits and entities. This is not only fascinating to watch, but it allows non-Korean viewers to better understand the horrors as they unfold. While there may be certain aspects of the traditions and mythos that get lost in translation, overall it’s explained and executed in a way that allows the plot to flow without leaving the audience in the dark.

With the numerous characters and intricate lore, Exhuma has multiple layers and surprises. Just when you think the story is coming to an end, you’re really only halfway through. The film is over two hours long, but every minute is jam-packed with emotion, terror, and twists to keep the audience on the edge of their seat. With the many intricacies of the plot and traditions, there are times when the audience might be a bit confused, but by the time the film ends the multiple threads tie together seamlessly. Exhuma has no shortage of scares and shocks, but what really makes it a great film is the heart. These characters are initially brought together by money, hired to do a job, but they quickly find themselves bound together by a common goal to do the right thing, binding them together for however long (or short) the rest of their lives may be.

Audiences are sure to be blown away by the performances in Exhuma. While there is a rather large cast, four actors make up the primary cast. Kim Go-eun (A Muse, Coin Locker Girl) plays Hwa-rim, a young shaman who understands the balance of science and superstition. At first this character comes across as a business woman, caring more about the money than the people paying her. Kim Go-eun is enthralling to watch, showing Hwa-rim’s growth and maturity when things get dire. Lee Do-hyun (Sweet Home, Hotel Del Luna) play’s Hwa-rim’s partner and fellow shaman, Bong-gil. For the most part, Lee Do-hyun portrays Bong-gil as the strong, silent type standing back with his tattoos and stoicism while Hwa-rim takes the lead, but there is a kindness just beneath his tough exterior. Choi Min-sik (Oldboy, I Saw the Devil) plays Kim Sang-duk, a skilled geomancer who finds the perfect plots of land for the dead and the living. Sang-duk is the most experienced of the group, and Choi Min-sik easily conveys this character’s knowledge, determination, and compassion. Last but not least is Yoo Hae-jin (Veteran, The Pirates) as funeral home director Ko Young-guen. Mr. Ko is the most cautious voice of the group, often making him seem a bit cowardly, but Yoo Hae-jin lets the audience know this character will always stand by his friends. Together, these four actors help to make this film a true masterpiece.

This film is a feast of stunning sights and sounds. Exhuma primarily uses practical effects for the spiritual horrors, as well as any on-screen carnage, all of which is expertly executed. The design for some of the ghostly entities is as beautiful as it is horrifying. Costume design plays a big part in Exhuma, not only highlighting the blend of modern and traditional dress, but also focusing on the garments worn during various rituals. The production and set design does something similar, showing ancient locals one minute and modern high-rises the next. All this lends to the theme of past and present being intertwined throughout the film. The film also features a musical score adding to the fear and emotion of each scene.

Exhuma is a masterpiece of South Korean folk horror brimming with supernatural terror and a gripping emotional core. Jae-hyun Jang weaves an intricate plot, combining elements of old and new Korean traditions as a twisted mystery unfolds. It has a perfect balance of scares and drama brought to life by a riveting cast. Audiences will gasp, cover their eyes in fear, and some may even shed some tears. With such compelling performances, visuals, terror, and lore, Exhuma is sure to be on many “best horror of 2024” lists.

OVERALL RATING: 9/10