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The Wailing

Play trailer 1:50 Poster for The Wailing Released May 20, 2016 2h 36m Mystery & Thriller Horror Play Trailer Watchlist
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99% Tomatometer 86 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Suspicion leads to hysteria when rural villagers link a series of brutal murders to the arrival of a mysterious stranger (Kunimura Jun).
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The Wailing

The Wailing

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Critics Consensus

The Wailing delivers an atmospheric, cleverly constructed mystery whose supernatural thrills more than justify its imposing length.

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Critics Reviews

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Alexandra Heller-Nicholas The Blue Lenses The Wailing's is a world where histories, identities, cultures, realities and generic codes and conventions collapse in spectacular, unforgettable style. Aug 25, 2018 Full Review Nigel Andrews Financial Times Very crazy, very Korean, very long: 156 minutes of murder, diabolism, exorcism and things that go bump by day and night. Rated: 4/5 Dec 27, 2016 Full Review Kate Muir Times (UK) A complex Korean horror with the surreal village feel of Twin Peaks. Rated: 4/5 Nov 29, 2016 Full Review Carolyn Hinds JoySauce.com Written and directed by Na Hong-jin, The Wailing is one of my favorite horror films. It’s deeply unsettling in how Na Hong-jin uses sound, imagery, time, and costuming to build a layered story... Nov 9, 2022 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Na's film belongs on a shortlist of horror titles that question everything, forcing the realization that most people know nothing for certain and yet still behave with conviction. What could be more frightening? Rated: 4/4 Feb 18, 2022 Full Review Toussaint Egan Polygon It's a masterpiece of mood, and a 156 minutes, a parade of every horror trope imaginable. Oct 20, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Zee F First of all Hollywood this is how you make a masterpiece Beautiful scenery's chilling atmosphere and gave me chills especially the ending was one of the best I have ever seen in a horror movie well done 👍 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/20/25 Full Review Alex T This one's a slow burn, but if you're patient, it's got a lot to offer. It's not your typical horror flick-it's more psychological, almost dreamlike at times. The story follows a woman dealing with a tragic past and a mysterious presence that may or may not be real. It's more about dread than scares, and it really leans into the emotional side of horror. Ester Expósito is really strong in the lead role-she carries the whole film, and you can feel every ounce of her trauma and fear. The visuals are gorgeous too, even when they're showing something horrifying. There's this eerie beauty to it all that sticks with you. It does get a little confusing toward the end, and there are definitely some moments that feel a bit too ambiguous. But I actually liked that-it left me thinking about it after it ended. If you're into slow, atmospheric horror with a bit of mystery, this one's worth checking out. Just don't expect jump scares or a neatly wrapped-up story. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/29/25 Full Review Scott M Mesmerizing, horrifying, and agonizing. This movie will stay with you long after the credits roll. Easily one of the most memorable and haunting horror films I've ever seen and well worth the lengthy runtime. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/27/25 Full Review Milinda P What a plot twist horror movie i ever seen Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/09/25 Full Review Riya S The movie was great ,it was scary at some point but I have seen other disturbing movies like I saw the devil and I was disturbed very much whenever i used to think about it I felt scared , I found it disturbing few times and after watching this l would say this movie has great flow , amazing story, unexpected ending and overall I did not feel bored r anything even for a moment ,I was totally engaged in it Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/08/25 Full Review Esra Y Movie builds itself slowly but director makes it chilly all the way through. It's unsettling, creepy and Movie stays with you for some time. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/08/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis Suspicion leads to hysteria when rural villagers link a series of brutal murders to the arrival of a mysterious stranger (Kunimura Jun).
Director
Na Hong-jin
Screenwriter
Na Hong-jin
Distributor
Well Go USA
Production Co
20th Century Fox International, Ivanhoe Pictures, Side Mirror
Genre
Mystery & Thriller, Horror
Original Language
Korean
Release Date (Theaters)
May 20, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 6, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$785.4K
Runtime
2h 36m
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