Native Title	파묘
Also Know as	Pamyo, The Unearthed Grave
Director	Jang Jae-Hyun
Writer	Jang Jae-Hyun
Distributor	Showbox
Content Rating	15+ - Teens 15 or older
Runtime	134 min. / 2 h. 13 min.
Genre	Thriller, Mystery, Horror, Fantasy, Supernatural, Occult
Language	Korean
Country	South Korea
Release Date	2024-02-22

“Exhuma” (Korean: 파묘) is a South Korean horror-thriller directed by Jang Jae-Hyun, renowned for his previous works “The Priests” (2015) and “Svaha: The Sixth Finger” (2019). The film delves into the realms of shamanism, geomancy, and ancestral curses, offering a unique blend of supernatural elements rooted in Korean traditions.

Release date: 2024-02-16 (festival) and 2024-02-22 (cinema).

Plot Overview

The narrative centers on Hwa-Rim (Kim Go-Eun), a modern-day shaman, and her apprentice Bong-gil (Lee Do-hyun), who are summoned to aid a wealthy family in the United States. The family's newborn heir exhibits signs of distress despite being physically healthy. Upon investigation, Hwa-rim discovers that all firstborn males in the family have suffered similar afflictions, tracing the curse back to an ominous ancestral grave in Korea. To address this, she enlists the help of Kim Sang-duk (Choi Min-Sik), a seasoned geomancer, and Ko Young-guen (Yoo Hae-Jin), a mortician. Their mission to exhume and relocate the grave sets off a chain of supernatural events, unraveling a deeper, more malevolent force.

Themes and Style

“Exhuma” intricately weaves elements of Korean folk horror, drawing comparisons to films like The Wailing and Incantation. The film's dual-part structure transitions from a traditional exorcism narrative to a more expansive exploration of historical and cultural trauma. Director Jang Jae-Hyun employs practical effects and atmospheric cinematography to build tension, favoring a slow-burn horror approach over reliance on jump scares.

Performances

The cast delivers compelling performances, with Kim Go-Eun portraying a shaman who balances modernity with traditional practices. Choi Min-Sik's portrayal of the pragmatic geomancer adds depth to the narrative, while Yoo Hae-Jin provides a grounded presence as the cautious mortician. Their interactions highlight the fusion of ancient rituals with contemporary sensibilities.

Reception

“Exhuma” achieved significant commercial success, grossing approximately $93.9 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing South Korean film of 2024 and the sixth highest-grossing Korean film of all time. Critics have praised its atmospheric tension and cultural depth, though some noted that its complex narrative may be challenging for international audiences unfamiliar with Korean traditions.

Awards

At the 18th Asian Film Awards, “Exhuma” garnered 11 nominations and won two awards, including Best Actress for Kim Go-eun, underscoring the film's critical acclaim and the standout performances within.