If you’re a fan of horror movies, and that too Korean, that get under your skin and mess with your mind, you need to check out The Wailing—now streaming on Netflix. This 2016 South Korean film, directed by Na Hong-jin, is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Forget jump scares and predictable plots; The Wailing delivers a deep, unsettling experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
What’s The Wailing About?
Set in a small mountain village in South Korea, the story kicks off when a mysterious stranger arrives, bringing with him a bizarre and deadly epidemic. As people start dying under strange and gruesome circumstances, Jong-gu, a bumbling, out-of-his-depth police officer, gets dragged into the chaos. His investigation quickly spirals into something far more sinister, especially when his own daughter becomes affected. What follows is a harrowing journey through paranoia, supernatural forces, and a nightmarish battle between rationality and ancient, dark forces.
What Makes The Wailing So Special?
Let’s get one thing straight: this is not your typical horror flick. If you’re tired of overhyped, formulaic scares (ahem looking at you, The Conjuring), The Wailing will feel like a breath of fresh, terrifying air. Na Hong-jin, the mastermind behind this film, also directed The Chaser and The Yellow Sea—but The Wailing is on a whole other level.
The film starts deceptively light, almost like a dark comedy. You’ll find yourself chuckling at the antics of Jong-gu, who is not exactly hero material. But don’t get too comfortable—Na Hong-jin is a genius at pulling the rug out from under you. As the story progresses, the humor fades, and a creeping sense of dread takes over. Before you know it, you’re trapped in a maze of satanic rituals, demonic possession, and ancient folklore. And trust me, once you’re in, there’s no way out.
Why You Should Watch The Wailing
Even director Ari Aster (Hereditary, Midsommar) is a fan. In his words:
“The South Koreans are so good at horror in general, and they’re also so good at mixing genres, but in a coherent way. There’s this film called The Wailing. For me, that was an experience. It’s a police procedural that’s also a goofy black comedy about a police detective that turns into a serial killer film that then becomes a satanic possession movie that becomes almost Pinter-esque in its brand of existentialism.”
That’s the beauty of The Wailing—it refuses to stick to one genre. One minute you’re watching a detective bumble his way through a murder case, and the next, you’re questioning everything you thought you knew about good and evil. The blend of thriller, horror, and folklore is seamless, and it keeps you hooked from start to finish.
The Ending That Shocked Everyone
Without giving too much away, let’s just say the ending is a jaw-dropper. People have been left speechless (and seriously disturbed) by how things wrap up. It’s dark, ambiguous, and leaves you questioning every character’s intentions. Who was the real villain? Was it all part of a grander cosmic plan? The lack of clear answers only adds to the film’s haunting appeal.
Also, Read – 10 Great Foreign Horror Movies You Can Watch Right Now
If you’re someone who loves horror that challenges you, makes you think, and maybe even haunts your dreams, The Wailing is a must-watch. Just don’t watch it alone—and maybe keep a light on afterward. You’ve been warned.
