South Korean movies have become new fan favourites with their distinctive styles and storytelling. As a South Korean, I only understood the specific appeal of the national film scene once I watched Parasite, by Bong Jun-ho, and fell in love with the genre of Korean horror and thriller, that offers something different from Western movies. I have picked some films presented on Netflix UK this year. Please spice up (get it, because Korean food is spicy?) your holiday season with these bone-chilling masterpieces with your loved ones.
The Call, directed by Lee Chung-hyun, skilfully combines themes of horror, suspense, and time travel to produce a distinctive and captivating cinematic experience. The plot, based on the 2011 movie The Caller, revolves around two women, Oh Yeon-seo (played by Park Shin-hye) in the present day and Kim Seo-yeon (played by Jeon Jong-seo) in the past, connecting through a mysterious phone call. The film expertly examines the consequences of altering the past events and its eventual influence on the present as they travel through the complexity of time. The Call’s psychological and supernatural components combine to create an unsettling and thought-provoking experience, even though it may not rely on conventional horror clichés. If you enjoy gripping thrillers with a hint of the otherworldly elements, you should definitely check out The Call.
When Parasite was released in 2019, it won praise from many people for its outstanding cinematography, social commentary, and original storytelling. Parasite accomplished even more historical firsts, winning four Academy Awards, and creating history by being the first South Korean picture to win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes picture Festival. The impoverished Kim family is the main protagonist of the movie: they devise a cunning scheme to enter the home of the wealthy Park family. Through a series of devious means, the Kims are employed by the Parks for various roles, resulting in a convoluted web of consequences and class dynamics. As the narrative progresses, Parasite expertly blends the themes of suspense, dark comedy, and social satire. The movie is a captivating thriller that also serves as a commentary on contemporary issues, making it a groundbreaking piece of cinema.Â
3. Kingdom: Ashin of the north (2021)
As a sequel to the Netflix series Kingdom, Kingdom: Ashin of the North explores the background of the “resurrection plant”, as well as the mysterious figure of Ashin, which respectively play major plot points in the original show. The plot of this period zombie apocalypse series, set in the Joseon dynasty, follows Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon), as he sets out on a quest to investigate the plague while the country is collapsing under the crippling terror of zombies and political conspiracies.
The special episode, directed by Kim Seong-hun, explores the tragic past of Ashin, who is played by Jun Ji-hyun, as the story delves into her reasons and the circumstances that led to the catastrophic outbreak of the plague. If you liked the show and are curious about the folklore surrounding Ashin and the plague’s origins, Kingdom: Ashin of the North will provide valuable insights into understanding the broader narrative. I would highly recommend checking it out to the fans of the series and those interested in exploring the complexities of the Kingdom universe.
The Wailing’s eerie and atmospheric photography, which successfully creates a sense of dread throughout the whole movie, is one of its strongest points. The director, Na Hong-jin, expertly blends psychological thriller and horror aspects into the complex story to keep the audience guessing up until the very end. The film has received recognition for its ability to defy genre conventions and create suspense by implementing mysterious supernatural aspects and unexpected story turns. The Wailing becomes more nuanced and complex as it utilises different aspects of the traditional South Korean culture and religion as a plot.
Although the film’s intricate plot and ambiguity may leave some viewers with unanswered questions, these aspects add to the film’s enduring influence and make it conversation starters for horror fans. The Wailing is notable for being a provocative and chilling addition to the horror genre, showcasing the strength of South Korean cinema in delivering compelling and unconventional storytelling through its distinctive cinematography.
5. Svaha: The Sixth Finger (2018)
The movie explores themes of religion, cults, and supernatural occurrences. The plot follows Pastor Park (played by Lee Jung-jae), a religious investigator hired to inquire into a cult called “Deer Mount.” As Pastor Park delves deeper into the cult’s activities, he discovers mysterious connections to a series of strange and supernatural events. The film combines horror, mystery, and crime, creating a tense and atmospheric narrative. The title, “Svaha,” is a Sanskrit word often used in Hindu and Tantric rituals. The film incorporates various religious symbolism and explores the darker aspects of belief systems. It received positive reviews for its intriguing plot, atmospheric cinematography, and strong performances, particularly by the Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae. Svaha: The Sixth Finger is known for its thought-provoking narrative that raises questions about faith, the consequences of blind devotion, and the thin line between the supernatural and human motivations. Fans that enjoy mysteries with a touch of paranormal and psychological thriller elements should check it out.
As you embark on your Netflix binge this holiday season, either with your loved ones or alone in the comfort of your own bed, please keep these recommendations in mind. Although some might argue that watching horror/thriller in the cosy winter season is unconventional, I can assure you that these films will nevertheless provide you with a jolly good time.