‘Exhuma’ is Becoming One of 2024’s Best Horror Movies

While 2024 has already proven to be a fantastic year for horror, with numerous domestic films making waves, one standout film has quietly flown under the radar. Historically, horror films often miss out on major awards and critical acclaim, yet this year has seen a surge in both quantity and quality. With more than a dozen new domestic horror releases gracing theatres, 2024 is shaping up to be a remarkable year for horror at the box office.

However, it’s not just Hollywood that’s making waves. International horror films have also been turning heads, though many only gain recognition through American remakes. This year, a particularly chilling Korean film, ‘Exhuma,’ deserves more attention from US audiences. Directed and written by Jang Jae-hyun, ‘Exhuma’ is a psychological horror that draws on Korea’s rich history and supernatural folklore.

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The film delves into the story of a renowned shaman and her apprentice, hired to uncover the cause of a sinister supernatural illness linked to a hidden family grave. The narrative explores themes of national trauma and traditional shamanistic practices, creating an atmosphere of suspense and fear. Unlike many horror films that rely on jump scares, ‘Exhuma’ builds its terror through its eerie realism and intricate plot.

Despite being overshadowed by domestic releases in the US, ‘Exhuma’ has become South Korea’s highest-grossing film of the year. It’s garnered acclaim from horror enthusiasts, including a spot on Mike Flanagan’s Top Films of 2024 list. With a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it might not surpass ‘Late Night with the Devil’s’ impressive 97%, but its depth and complexity set it apart.

Besides ‘Exhuma’ 2024 has delivered a diverse array of horror films. This year has seen fresh takes on classic horror figures, such as ‘Abigail’ and ‘Lisa Frankenstein,’ explorations of demonic themes in ‘Longlegs’ and ‘Immaculate’ and gritty slasher entries like ‘In A Violent Nature’ and ‘MaXXXine.’