Best Korean Thriller With 99% on RT Just Blew Up Max's Top Chart

Asian filmmakers know something about suspense that other directors don't. Even before the breakout success of Parasite and the global obsession with Squid Game, thrill-seekers were turning to South Korean movies.

So it's no surprise that The Wailing, one of the genre's most prominent films, recently broke into the Max's top three most-watched movies. Here is why it's a must-see for thriller fans.

What Is 'The Wailing' About?

Mysterious events are taking place in the Korean village of Gokseong: one by one, local residents are losing their minds, becoming covered in blisters, and brutally killing their loved ones.

The police believe the cause is poisoning by hallucinogenic mushrooms, but the villagers say a sinister, silent Japanese man who recently settled in the nearby forest is to blame.

A cowardly local police officer must investigate the murders. He would prefer not to get involved, but his daughter is also showing signs of a strange illness.

'The Wailing' Is a Masterpiece That Will Stay With You For a Long Time

The Wailing starts out almost like a comedy about cops – everyone screams and falls down. But the movie gradually turns into a nightmare about the weakness of human nature and how evil survives no matter what.

Director Na Hong-jin has managed to make a movie about the occult that shocks and hits viewers in the gut, sending shivers down the spines of even the most sophisticated genre fans. At the same time, he incorporates just enough horror elements to keep viewers engaged until the end credits.

Thanks to its powerful finale, The Wailing is a movie that stays in your memory for a long time. If you enjoy smart thrillers with horror elements, there is no better choice than The Wailing.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Wailing'?

Empire critic David Hughes gave The Wailing four out of five stars, saying:

“The Wailing takes its time to burrow under your skin, but by the time it weaves its dark, potent spell, it leaves you with a lingering, unshakeable sense of dread that Hollywood horror films can rarely muster.”

• The Wailing has 99% from critics and 82% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.4/10.