The Wailing: A Haunting Blend of Horror and Mystery

In the realm of detective and horror stories, there exists an invisible threshold of absurdity that, once crossed, challenges the audience's ability to suspend disbelief. "The Wailing," a South Korean horror-mystery hybrid, dares to venture beyond this line on multiple occasions, yet manages to maintain a haunting atmosphere that keeps viewers engaged. It may seem like an impossible task, given the bumbling nature of Sergeant Jong-gu (played by Do Won Kwak) throughout his investigation into the mysterious series of infections and deaths plaguing the village of Gokseong. Jong-gu's actions may often frustrate and perplex, but director Hong-jin Na ("The Yellow Sea," "The Chaser") skillfully avoids overindulgence, delivering a relentless onslaught of major plot developments rather than small melodramatic ones. The film's perpetually rainy and mud-soaked setting adds to its intense ambience, as Na fearlessly bombards audiences with shock tactics. Despite the occasional moments of incredulity, "The Wailing" ultimately culminates in a satisfyingly enigmatic conclusion that justifies the film's cacophonous journey. However, it must be reiterated: "The Wailing" can be undeniably foolish at times.

The story revolves around Jong-gu, an intellectually challenged policeman in a small town, whose world is shattered when he discovers that his daughter Hyo-jin (portrayed by Hwan-hee Kim) has fallen victim to the same inexplicable affliction plaguing the town's residents. Jong-gu, ill-equipped for such a situation, is initially played for laughs, with Na injecting dark humor into his character and endearing him to the audience as a lovable screw-up. Confronted with a mounting body count, an ominous foreigner with an unsettling collection of photographs, and ominous signs manifested through dead ravens, a mute who throws rocks, and foreboding dreams, Jong-gu's journey takes numerous implausible twists. While such deviations from reality are often forgivable in the horror/mystery genre, some of Jong-gu's actions not only make him appear dim-witted but also cast a shadow of foolishness over the film's other events.

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To be fair, supernatural elements are at play, leaving viewers questioning whether the characters are truly under the influence of something beyond rational comprehension. However, within the realm of the detective/mystery portion of "The Wailing," there are numerous unanswered questions. For instance, despite uncovering incriminating photographs and eerie ritual objects in the Japanese stranger's secluded cabin, Jong-gu, a police officer, fails to apprehend him. There is a conspicuous absence of oversight in Jong-gu's investigation, leaving him to navigate the case without guidance on proper fact-finding or evidence gathering. Instead, a series of haphazard events unfolds driven by Jong-gu's anger and curiosity. It's not just Jong-gu's actions that raise eyebrows; other characters' decisions and motivations also leave us perplexed. Why did that particular character remain silent? Where did the secondary character disappear to? What thoughts were running through her mind when he uttered those words? Who is truly in control here?

Despite the absurdity of certain plot developments, the central question that lingers throughout the film revolves around authority. It becomes increasingly challenging to accept the characters' implausible behavior, especially in the face of dire perils such as a seemingly possessed child and an ever-growing pile of corpses. However, as "The Wailing" evolves into a demonic-possession horror film, the narrative begins to make more sense. Unlike "The Exorcist," Na's film intermittently prompts viewers to consider what they would do when faced with overwhelmingly oppressive evidence. Jong-gu, witnessing his daughter's agony, resorts to hiring a traditional Korean shaman (played by Jung-min Hwang) to rid her of the affliction. The scene depicting the shaman's exorcism attempt is intense, not only due to its thunderous volume but also thanks to Na's meticulous pacing and keen attention to detail. Each scene feels like a climactic set piece, leaving viewers as emotionally drained as Jong-gu himself. While it may be impossible to completely switch off one's critical thinking while watching "The Wailing," this very attribute enhances the film's captivating and perplexing allure.

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