Seire 2021
Distributed by Film Movement
Produced by Rhee Yoon-joo
Directed by Kang Park
Streaming, 102 mins
College - General Adult
Fiction; Horror
Date Entered: 10/30/2023
Reviewed by Andrew Koval, MSLSKang Park’s Seire is a horror film based in Korean folklore and superstition. The protagonist Woo-jin attends the funeral of his ex-girlfriend while his wife is home caring for their newborn. In Korean culture, to attend a funeral within the first weeks of a child being born is bad luck. Woo-jin attends none the less, setting off a series of bizarre events at home.
The suspense is sustained throughout and subtly unfolds manifesting in haunting imagery perceived by Woo-jin and his family. Park presents Woo-jin as a relatable everyman. Audiences will be transfixed as bizarre events transpire, suspending disbelief, and questioning as to whether or not the dealings are nefarious and supernatural or happening by coincidence. This is a character driven plot that explores the depths of a man’s guilt and sense of duty.
Seire is a worthwhile viewing experience. Domestic audiences will quickly acclimate and be rewarded for investing their time reading the English subtitles to follow the story. This film is clever and will be valued most by audiences open to exploring different cultures within the horror genre.
Awards: Winner, FIPRESCI Prize, Busan Int'l. Film Festival; Official Selection, New Flesh Competition for Best First Feature, Fantasia Int'l. Film Festival; Official Selection, Telluride Horror Film Festival
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