Svaha: The Sixth Finger (2019/Korean)
This dark mystery thriller and borderline horror revolves around a mysterious religious cult that could be linked to a spate of murders and disapearances.
Writer/Director – Jang Jae-hyun
Cast – Lee Jung-jae , Park Jung-min, Lee Jae-in, Jung Jin-young, Lee David, Jin Seon-kyu
Music – Kim Tae-seong
Plot
There’s a cursed birth that leads to many things dark.
There’s a family that is hiding an affliction.
Somewhere there’s a pastor who is investigating a mysterious religious cult.
Mysterious happenings, a murder discovered, another one on the anvil and murderers on the run.
Everything seems linked but how?
Analysis
Every time I watch a Korean thriller, I marvel at their expertise of storytelling. Absolutely enthralling!
Svaha starts on a damn dark mode and the first impressive thing that hits you is the terrific background score.
As the film proceeds, the dark and delicious atmospherics engulf you. Dollops of mystery and the right tinge of spook is exhilarating. At times the feel is of watching a horror. Those of you who love such genre defying films will find it a treat. At times it reminded me of our own remarkable Tumbaad.
Gradually, as the other fronts in the story open up, it starts seeming like a mystery thriller. The suspense, the investigation , the leads keep you hooked. The whole religious cult angle adds a fantastic touch.
Even though the plot on the whole is not very expansive, the suspense and atmospherics make it absolutely riveting. As we move towards the climax, just as we feel the mystery is about to clear up, the film trumps you with an unexpected twist.
With its mystery and dark atmospherics, the film was a throughly gripping and fantastic watch.
Highly recommended for those who love genre defying mystery thrillers and fans of Korean cinema.
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