Yeon Sang-ho’s 'Revelations': Thriller of Obsession, Madness

연합뉴스 / 2025-03-19 09:22:32

▲ A still from South Korean film "Revelations," directed by Yeon Sang-ho. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- On a rainy, overcast day, a young girl walks alone down a narrow alley, umbrella in hand. A man (played by Shin Min-jae) follows a few steps behind, drenched from the rain, his gaze fixed obsessively on her.

The girl heads toward a rundown building—home to the Nation of the Calling church—where Pastor Sung Min-chan (Ryu Jun-yeol) leads his congregation in a hymn. The man follows her inside, while from a distance, detective Lee Yeon-hee (Shin Hyun-bin) watches them intently.

Yeon Sang-ho’s latest film, Revelations, is a psychological thriller revolving around the disappearance of the girl, entangling Pastor Sung, detective Lee, and ex-convict Kwon Yang-rae (Shin Min-jae) in a dark and twisted narrative.

▲ A still from South Korean film "Revelations," directed by Yeon Sang-ho. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

The film opens with a sense of foreboding as it follows the ex-convict’s relentless pursuit of the girl. Tension builds steadily as Sung and Kwon come face to face in the church, leading to shocking revelations about Kwon’s identity. The next day, the girl vanishes, heightening the film’s suspense as it delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Nation of the Calling church.

While the conventional dynamic of detective versus criminal is present, the inclusion of a pastor adds a unique and unsettling layer to the story. This three-way entanglement enriches the film’s narrative and establishes its core identity.

▲ A still from South Korean film "Revelations," directed by Yeon Sang-ho. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Each character is trapped in their own form of obsession—Pastor Sung by divine revelations, Detective Lee by haunting visions of her deceased brother, and Kwon by a past that refuses to let him go. As their obsessions drive them toward increasingly unpredictable choices, the question arises: where will their collective madness lead?

The film’s gripping atmosphere is reinforced by powerful performances. Shin Min-jae captivates from the opening scene, setting an ominous tone for the entire movie. However, it is Ryu Jun-yeol’s portrayal of the fanatical pastor that serves as the film’s heart. Whether he is furiously interrogating his wife in a car or shedding tears while leading his congregation in prayer, Ryu brings an unsettling intensity to his role. His performance ensures that Sung’s actions, however extreme, remain chillingly believable.

Director Yeon Sang-ho emphasized the significance of the actors' performances, stating, "More than in any of my previous films, the actors' portrayals were crucial. My goal as a director was to create an environment where each actor could fully express their character."

▲ A still from South Korean film "Revelations," directed by Yeon Sang-ho. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Revelations is based on the webtoon of the same name, which Yeon co-created with writer Choi Kyu-seok in 2022. The two also collaborated on the film’s screenplay.

Adding to the film’s prestige, acclaimed Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity, Roma) serves as executive producer.

Revelations premieres on Netflix on March 21. Running time: 122 minutes. Rated 15+.