Now streaming on Shudder, and available for rent or purchase on Fandango at Home (formerly known at Vudu), is the horror film Exhuma.
Exhuma stars Kim Go-eun, Lee Do-hyun, Hung Seo-jun, Choi Min-sik, and Yoo Hai-Jin. Many of these names might not seem familiar because they are not Hollywood actors, however, many are well known in Korea and other Asian countries. In fact, one of the reasons why I wanted to see this film is due to Lee Do-hyun. I have seen him in television series (Sweet Home, The Glory, The Good Bad Mother, 18 Again and Hotel de Luna), so I was excited to see him in this film. Mr. Lee tends to appear more on television than in movies (this is only his second film).
Here is the film’s official synopsis.
When a renowned shaman (Kim) and her protégé (Lee) are hired by a wealthy, enigmatic family, they begin investigating the cause of a disturbing supernatural illness that affects only the first-born children of each generation. With the help of a knowledgeable mortician and the country’s most revered geomancer, they soon trace the affliction’s origin to a long-hidden family grave located on sacred ground. Sensing an ominous aura surrounding the burial site, the team opts to exhume and relocate the ancestral remains immediately. But as something much darker emerges, they soon discover what befalls those who dare to mess with the wrong grave.
The synopsis mentions a “geomancer.” I didn’t know what that was until I saw this film. Essentially the man in the film works with a mortician to find suitable locations to bury bodies in idea locations to help keep the spirit in harmony, and can determine future events or strength of a dynasty or particular family. Location, land forms important and topography are very important. You especially don’t want land to shift because it could cause disfavor and the body would have to be exhumed and relocated. That’s what happened in this film.
I should make note that this movie is subtitled. The actors speak Korean in the film, but you can read the subtitles in English. I know that reading subtitles often puts people off from films. Trust me, I get it. I used to be the same way. However I once watched another Korean horror movie (Train to Busan), which is subtitled. I loved the film so much that I watched it a few more times. I guess I just got used to reading subtitles after that film. I also enjoy K-Horror movies and K-Dramas, most of which are subtitled.
Don’t let the subtitles put you off from watching this film. This film is worth checking out.
As far as acting goes, I thought all of the main characters did a fantastic job. Kim Go-eun, who plays the shaman, especially did a terrific job. She eluded mystery, something you would expect from a real shaman.
Speaking of shaman, the rituals they performed in the film while exhuming the bodies from the grave was very interesting. I wonder if they were real shaman practices (dance, song, music), or just something created for the film. In any event, Ms. Kim is very convincing in this film.
Of course I was happy to see Mr. Lee. I’m glad he got as much screen time as he did.
Cinematography plays a big part in this film. The entire film is dark and dreary and gives off scary vibes. Even if a scene wasn’t scary, the way the film was shot gives viewers a sense of dread none the less. It wasn’t all dark, but the parts during the day where there was sun still gave off an ominous feel.
There is a monster of sorts in this film (it’s really an evil spirit). Sometimes monsters in films are just laughable and actually bring a movie “down” rather than add to a film. In this case I feel like the evil spirit was very fitting for this film and plausible.
Exhuma is a gem that you shouldn’t miss. I’m not the only person who feels that way. This film gets 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 4.7 out of five stars. It also has a 6.9 out of 10 on IMDB (International Movie Data Base).
The film has a run time of two hours and fourteen minutes. It’s a bit long, but it didn’t seem that way (at least to me it didn’t).
The film is not yet rated, but I would say it’s at least a PG-13.
If you are a fan of edge-of-your-seat horror films, check out Exhuma. Look for it on Shudder or Fandango at Home.
For more information about Shudder visit Shudder.com. Fandango at Home is still found at Vudu.com. Both can be found on social media too.
The film was released by Well Go USA Entertainment. You can also check them out at WellGoUSA.com. They can also be found on social media.
Below is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener of this film in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
