The Wailing – A Mind-Bending Horror Ride!
- Tom Goedhart
- Oct 28, 2016
- 2 min read
If you're looking for a chilling movie to watch this Halloween, The Wailing is a must-see. Directed by Na Hong Jin, known for his gripping crime thrillers The Chaser and Yellow Sea, this film takes a different route by blending horror with unsettling mythical elements that keep you on the edge of your seat.
The film opens with a Biblical quote, setting a mysterious tone before it plunges us into a remote mountain village. At first glance, the village seems serene, but soon a series of violent, delusional murders tear it apart. The locals are torn between believing it's a curse cast by a Japanese man who recently moved there or a poisoning caused by toxic mushrooms. Jong Gu, a determined police officer, is called to investigate and soon finds himself trapped in a chilling web of danger that threatens his own family.
While The Wailing shares some of the graphic violence found in many Korean thrillers, it sets itself apart by focusing less on bloodshed and more on a haunting atmosphere. Na Hong Jin expertly crafts a disturbing vibe, using supernatural elements, minimalistic scares, and chilling visuals to immerse the viewer. The film doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares; instead, it builds suspense with a combination of eerie settings, careful direction, subtle editing, and an unsettling soundtrack.
At a steady pace, the story keeps you hooked, though the middle section does drag a bit. Some moments seem longer than necessary given their significance.
In fact, The Wailing could have wrapped up earlier, as Jong Gu’s character arc seemed complete. But the film pushes forward into a perplexing final 40 minutes that pulls the audience into a whirlwind of revelations. As more layers are peeled back, the narrative dives deeper into themes of human temptation, leaving both the protagonist and viewers questioning reality. Who can we trust? Who’s the true villain - the God or the Devil?
After nearly two hours of gripping tension, the film's finale offers a shocking twist that will have you thinking long after the credits roll. The Wailing is a movie that leaves you pondering, and in doing so, it truly succeeds. Na Hong Jin not only leaves you puzzled but also fills you with a deep sense of unease throughout. Hopefully, after the film, you’ll have a better sense of what demons look like - and who they really are.
Written by Trung Rwo
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