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

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?

| Original Score: 4/4 | Feb 18, 2022

It's a masterpiece of mood, and a 156 minutes, a parade of every horror trope imaginable.

| Oct 20, 2021

Na Hong-jin creates the ultimate supernatural whodunnit, chucking everything except the kitchen sink at us to throw us off the scent of the whoever, or whatever is to blame.

| Jun 10, 2021

Na Hong-jin takes elements of zombies, black magic, ghosts, and possession stories, synthesizes these staid tropes in unique ways, and creates a visceral, moving film that is simultaneously hideous and exquisite, heart-breaking and horrifying.

| Original Score: A | Jul 3, 2020

The Wailing is worth every second of its 156 minute run time.

| Mar 13, 2020

I can say enthusiastically that The Wailing is an astonishing film that manages to truly unnerve and entertain in equal measure.

| Feb 6, 2020

Na Hong-jin directs and pens an agonizing thriller, building the tension gradually as the story progresses, until the utterly shocking finale, which is, probably, the film's greatest sequence.

| Apr 6, 2019

Maybe there are dozens of Korean films exploring religious horror and clashing traditional religions with the Catholic faith, but I've never seen them. And that set me up to be equal parts riveted and terrified.

| Dec 8, 2018

It has a unique and intricate plot that will keep you hooked through to the end, which is impressive considering it is over two and a half hours long.

| Original Score: 7.5/10 | Nov 2, 2018

Whether taking on the form of a brutish action film or a religious-tinged psychological thriller, the skill and boldness of Na give "The Wailing" a consistency it likely wouldn't have otherwise, eager to entertain even if it doesn't entirely add up.

| Nov 1, 2018

The Wailing lives up to its title, puts South Korea back on the horror genre map and I cannot recommend this film enough. Believe the hype. I loved this hideous thing.

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Oct 30, 2018

The Wailing's is a world where histories, identities, cultures, realities and generic codes and conventions collapse in spectacular, unforgettable style.

| Aug 25, 2018

... more than a horror film, Na Hong-jin's third film (The Casher, The Yellow Sea) is an alloy of genres... [Full review in Spanish]

| Jan 20, 2018

... although overlong and not without flaws, there is enough in The Wailing to warrant a viewing, and the subtle force of the film confirms Na Hong-jin's reputation as a director to be reckoned with.

| Sep 27, 2017

The film is exquisitely wrought, with a deep focus that draws the eye into the frame.

| Aug 15, 2017

The film stands out for being a singular work that has a great visual impact with masterful frames and an interesting use of color. [Full review in Spanish]

| Mar 17, 2017

There's something deeply sinister going on in The Wailing and I'm reluctant to divulge too much, because this is a film that's best enjoyed without prior knowledge of what's in store.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 15, 2017

Although the result is below The Chaser and The Yellow Sea, it's still a good example of the genre cinema of that origin. [Full review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Mar 14, 2017

The reasons to see this are Na's expert buildup of sickening dread.

| Jan 19, 2017