Writer: Cinnamon Lion

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects:
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: "Contagion", "Train to Busan"

The Good, the Bad and the Deadly Wail:

• From the beginning, you already know what you're getting. No sentimental build-up, audiences are greeted by horror the moment the movie plays. It wastes no time in laying the creepy foundation for more of the horrors to come.

• A horror movie that makes you think, it doesn't just throw stereotypical characters involved in typical horror tropes but instead feeds the audiences with well-developed characters each trying to survive as they face the mysterious illness that befalls their small village.

• The cast is made up of superb actors, even (or maybe especially) the lead child actress. The believable acting and smooth flow of conversations will entice chuckles from audiences just as much as screams when something horrific rears its ugly head.

• With no gimmicky jump scares, realistic make-up (though the CGI - especially the birds - still need some touch up on certain parts), and a well-timed pacing, the movie, despite being more than 2 hours long, doesn't feel laggy.


Trivia:

• This is director Na Hong-jin's second movie to screen at the Cannes Film Festival (the first being his 2010 "The Yellow Sea").

Cinema Online, 05 October 2016