Amazon Prime audiences are left haunted by this spine-tingling horror flick, claiming it’s a film that “stays with you” long after the credits roll, and its box office triumph is a testament to its impact.
The Wailing, a South Korean chiller, delves into the story of a local cop delving into a spate of mysterious deaths and sudden illnesses in an isolated village. The eerie epidemic has villagers turning violently insane, committing atrocities against their kin, with the officer’s own daughter among the afflicted.
A Rotten Tomatoes critique praises the film: “Puts all other movies claiming to be ‘enigmatic horror’ to shame. Every moment is carefully constructed, and yet you are never quite sure what you are looking at or where things stand. The last 20 minutes or so contain a series of reversals and twists so stunning that you won’t recover for days.”
The plot thickens when Jong-Goo learns of a reclusive Japanese man in the mountains who may be the malevolent force behind the chaos. Their investigation leads them to his lair, adorned with ominous photos of the outbreak’s victims and guarded by a fierce dog, only to be confronted by the sinister hermit himself.
As his daughter’s affliction intensifies, Jong-Goo confronts the stranger, demanding he leave their hamlet. A macabre reply awaits— a goat hanging from their gate, reports the Mirror US.
And when his daughter commits a gruesome murder, Jong-Goo is left grappling with the extent of the evil spirit’s reach and the desperate measures needed to end the nightmare.
One viewer expressed: “Mesmerising, horrifying, and agonising. This movie will stay with you long after the credits roll. Easily one of the most memorable and haunting horror films I’ve ever seen and well worth the lengthy runtime.”
Another fan penned: “One of the greatest horror films I’ve ever seen. It’s so original and stylish and amazingly executed with the writing, acting, and camera work. And the ending is devastating. An absolute must-see!”
Following its 2016 release, The Wailing garnered widespread praise from critics, who hailed it as “imaginative” and “unsettling.”
The film scooped up numerous awards in Korean cinema before making waves in Hollywood.
Nearly a decade on, this chilling tale boasts an impressive 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, marking it as a standout Korean contribution to the horror genre. Much of its success can be attributed to its stellar cast, including Chun Woo-Hee, Hwang Jung-min, and Kwak Do-won in the lead role of the police officer.
A viewer commented: “First of all, Hollywood, this is how you make a masterpiece. Beautiful scenery, chilling atmosphere, and gave me chills, especially the ending, which was one of the best I have ever seen in a horror movie. Well done.”
For those seeking their next fright, The Wailing is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime.