A new film from the writer and director of 'The Chaser' and 'The Yellow Sea'. This time, it’s a horror-thriller centered on a rural police officer who witnesses unsettling events that spark fear within his community. The original Korean title, ‘Goksung,’ refers to the village where the story unfolds. While this film is particularly suited for those who enjoy Korean cinema, I am confident that most viewers will find it engaging. It’s quite typical of Korean films, yet features a compelling theme and plenty of thrills, especially in the final section. The beginning, and essentially the first act, felt like a dark comedy, an impression that eventually faded. This was done to establish what kind of person the main character is: a police officer who harbors a fear of supernatural phenomena. One morning, he’s called to investigate a family massacre committed by one of its members. Such incidents are rare in his small village, but when another similar event occurs, authorities dismiss initial explanations, suggesting something beyond human involvement. Following strange dreams, the protagonist discovers that his own family is affected, particularly his young daughter. As the situation escalates, the family seeks help from a shaman and conducts a ceremony to free her from whatever force possesses her. This marks a shift in the film's tone, becoming more intense with unexpected twists. The remainder of the story should be experienced firsthand to see how it concludes. One initial concern was the film’s length—nearly 150 minutes. However, the screenplay is packed with captivating scenes and dialogue, so I don’t anticipate that the runtime will deter most viewers. You'll likely find yourself on the edge of your seat throughout much of the viewing experience. It presents a good story, but it can be confusing; not in a puzzling way, but due to the events and characters, especially the ending which lacks some clarity and detail. As a result, you might seek further explanation after watching. > "If you go fishing, do you know what you'll catch? He's just fishing. Not even he knows what he'll catch." The type of horror presented is somewhat ambiguous. At one point, zombies appear, quickly following an exorcism performed on a possessed girl. The writer took his time to develop these elements, resulting in a slow but deliberate narrative progression. If you’re familiar with Korean filmmaking style, you might anticipate some scenes beforehand. As mentioned earlier, the final minutes could be perplexing, yet they are effectively executed if understood properly. Regarding the characters, I appreciated how their connections were revealed at the end. However, as a story, the resolution didn't seem entirely satisfactory or convincing. It felt like it compromised what characters had previously believed after a significant struggle. I found the cultural aspects of the narrative well-presented; the ceremonies to combat the evil spirit were conducted in a traditional manner, reflecting the village setting—with the exception of an opening quote from the bible. The acting was excellent, and I particularly liked the filming locations, which effectively combined horror and police themes. The suspense keeps the film alive, although it extends beyond that as the underlying themes prove to be broader than initially expected. There are surprising developments that might leave you wondering about the story's depth. Don’t worry, everything eventually comes together—or perhaps a second viewing could help clarify things. Given its length, a repeat watch may not be ideal. Regardless, pay close attention during your initial viewing to fully grasp all the details. Animal lovers, in particular, should note a significant clue within the film. I believe this will rank among the best horror films released worldwide this year. While it might be remade elsewhere, there’s a chance it could remain a Korean classic alongside titles like 'Memories of Murder'. You don't need to be a fan of Korean cinema or this director to appreciate it, but those who are will undoubtedly have an advantage in understanding and enjoying it more fully. It is certainly one of the best Korean films I’ve seen, although I can’t definitively call it a must-see. Nevertheless, I recommend that you watch it. _7.5/10_

Source on TMDB