Man, I'm not sure what compelled me to give this a chance in theaters, but I'm so glad I did. This kicked so much ass.

Starring Choi Min-sik, Exhuma is a hard film to succinctly categorize. So rich in cultural, spiritual and historical context, it's a film that really rewards viewers that are willing to do their homework and dig into the details. It has folk horror elements that remind me of something like The Wailing, but the ensemble cast brings a lightness to it that makes this feel like something closer to Ghostbusters, without ever going full-on comedy. The worldbuilding and "power system" (for lack of a better term) made me feel like I was binging the first couple volumes of a new supernatural adventure comic. And the vile spirit buried within the film's second half would feel at home alongside the likes of Freddy Kreuger or Pinhead in terms of iconic movie monsters, but with a distinctly eastern influence that...well I won't say more than that. You'll know what I mean when you see it. And the fact that the film never relies on cheap scares and artificial tension, instead leaning on atmosphere, performance, visual transparency, and practical effects elevates this into the realm of an all-time classic.

All of this is to say, consider giving this a shot if you're a fan of supernatural horror and want something fresh. I could spend thousands of words gushing over all my favorite details, but it's best to approach this blind and discover it for yourself. A cult classic in the making, and will definitely end up being one of my favorite films of the year.