If you're looking for a gripping horror film to watch this Halloween season, look no further than The Wailing (Tiếng than). Directed by Na Hong Jin, renowned for his intense thrillers The Chaser and The Yellow Sea, this film offers a chilling blend of crime and mythology that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
The story kicks off with a biblical quote, setting the stage for the unsettling events that unfold in a serene, isolated village nestled in the mountains. The tranquility is shattered when villagers begin to experience bizarre delusions and embark on violent rampages, slaughtering their own families. While some attribute the madness to toxic mushrooms, others blame a mysterious Japanese man who has recently arrived in town. Police officer Jong Gu leads the investigation, only to find himself and his family entangled in a horrifying and enigmatic threat.
Unlike many Korean thrillers that lean heavily on graphic violence, The Wailing takes a more nuanced approach. Na Hong Jin crafts a haunting atmosphere through supernatural elements and eerie visuals. The film avoids cheap jump scares, instead using setting, direction, and rhythmic editing, alongside a menacing soundtrack, to evoke a genuine sense of dread.
The movie maintains a steady pace throughout, though the middle section feels a bit stretched with some lengthy scenes that might seem excessive. It arguably could have wrapped up sooner, after Jong Gu’s character development reached its peak. Yet, the final 40 minutes of The Wailing are a whirlwind of revelations that upend previous assumptions, plunging the narrative into a deeper exploration of human temptation and morality. As the film becomes less straightforward, it keeps viewers and the protagonist alike guessing about who can be trusted, blurring the lines between good and evil.
After nearly two hours of suspense and tension, the film concludes with a dark twist that ties back to its core themes in a strikingly original way. Na Hong Jin’s ability to leave the audience in a state of bewilderment is a testament to his skill as a director. By the end, you’ll find yourself questioning who the true demons are, both in the film and in real life.
By Trung Rwo
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