While the word “colonialism” inevitably draws thoughts to Western Europe, other countries have engaged in the practice. During World War II, this became a major focus of Japan as it sought to conquer Eastern Asia. The crimes committed by Japan left deep scars on other nations. Exhuma, from director Jang Jae-Hyun, examines that legacy in a wholly unique ghost story. While much of Exhuma relies on a cultural understanding of its imagery, the frights and design help this one get over the hump.

Korean paranormal investigators Hwa-Rim (Kim Go-run) and Bong Gil (Lee Do-hyun) arrive in America to investigate a struggling infant. As they look over the child, they determine a family spirit has created a specter over the family. To help stop the spirit, Bong and Hwa contact Kim Sang-deok (Choi Min-Sik). The legendary fung shui expert May prove useful in stopping the phantom. Yet when they dig into the Earth to handle the first issue, scarier and darker truths come from the shadows.

In terms of frights, Exhuma becomes surprisingly uneven. It’s got an incredible creature design, and the ghouls are creepy beyond reason. However, due to the structure Jang utilizes, we lose some of the scares for prolonged times. When it’s cooking, Exhuma delivers scary visuals and just off-camera scares. However, the story’s importance to the overarching plot takes precedence over these aspects. That is not to say Exhuma is not scary, but its focus lies elsewhere.

Additionally, it seeks to understand the generational trauma of the Japanese occupation. Many of the restless spirits stem from those who ruled during this time or sympathized with the Japanese cause. It’s a reckoning for South Korean audiences that feels slightly out of reach for American audiences. While the colonial aspects will resonate, Exhuma draws on specific names and moments will carry extra weight. This works towards the benefit of its audience because it informs American viewers of local folklore and customs.

At first, this may alienate some viewers. However, American cinema flexs its soft power with many of its stories. At the moment, South Korean cinema has the eyes of the world on its achievements. It’s why a movie like Exhuma gets a release at a regional festival. For director Jang, this movie represents more than a simple horror staple. Instead, it has the chance to help define the ideals and ideologies present in South Korean cinema for a generation. It’s why we seek to connect with international movies, and Exhuma will benefit from its audience’s continued curiosity after the last reel ends.

In addition to the heavy ideas throughout, Exhuma features two brilliant performances. Kim stuns in her role, asked to showcase emotional depth and rawness in her experience. Her eyes do a lot of work when confronted with the monster. It’s a look of terror that few can achieve. It also clarifies the stakes before the camera pans to its monstrosity.

Choi brings charisma and subtlety to his role as well. In Exhuma, he embodies an older generation of stars and uses that persona to his advantage. It gives him instant credibility, like Max Von Sydow in The Exorcist, while ensuring we’re locked into his exposition. It’s a movie star performance, but it’s also got the good on an emotional level.

The one aspect that one wishes was more in hand for Exhuma is the pacing. It stretches slightly longer than needed, and not because of the exposition. There are aspects early in the movie that could be cut and get us into the religious and paranormal aspects earlier. Doing so would not only satisfy horror fans, but it would also leave most of the cultural specifics in place.

While Exhuma needs no help from American audiences, it provides a unique glimpse into South Korean cinema. It may not have the scares that other imported films hold, but the intrigue and character stakes are undeniable. It’s fun to see a movie as absurdly bloody and violent as this one to come stateside. Yet its focus on cultural customs and ideology makes it special in today’s landscape.

Alan’s Rating: 8/10Watch Exhuma at Overlook 2024. The Overlook Film Festival runs from April 4 to April 7, 2024. Check out our other Film Festival coverage here! The post Overlook 2024: EXHUMA – A Freaky Exploration of Colonial Trauma appeared first on Sunshine State Cineplex.