Dark Nuns: A Supernatural Thriller That Pushes Boundaries
In the world of Korean horror, Dark Nuns emerges as a gripping supernatural thriller that challenges conventions and delivers a haunting narrative. Directed by Kwon Hyeok-jae, this film is a spin-off of the 2015 hit The Priests, written and directed by jang Jae-hyun, the mastermind behind Exhuma. Wiht a stellar cast including Song Hye-kyo, Jeon yeo-been, Lee Jin-wook, and Moon Woo-jin, Dark Nuns dives into the eerie and unsettling world of demonic possession and exorcism.
The story revolves around two nuns with contrasting personalities. Sister Junia (Song Hye-kyo) is a rebellious figure who defies authority to save a possessed boy, Hee-joon (Moon Woo-jin). She knows the demon inside him is no ordinary entity, and another exorcism is certain. On the othre hand, Sister Michaela (Jeon Yeo-been) is obedient and skeptical, suppressing her supernatural abilities until she meets Sister Junia. Together, they face a dangerous evil spirit, testing their faith and resolve.
Dark Nuns builds on the success of Exhuma, showcasing the dark and eerie atmosphere that Korean horror is known for.the film’s authentic depiction of rituals and its serious tone set it apart. However, it doesn’t rely on monsters for scares. Instead, it poses a compelling question: will the characters succeed in their mission?
Director Kwon Hyeok-jae crafts the film with deep nuance, using blue and gray visuals to evoke a somber mood.The narrative is intense, with little room for humor, making it a relentless journey from start to finish. While the plot follows the customary exorcism template, it lacks deeper exploration into the characters’ backstories.For instance, ther’s no description of how the demon entered Hee-joon’s body or why Sister Junia is so resolute to save him. This leaves the audience craving more emotional depth.
For fans of Song Hye-kyo, Dark Nuns offers a refreshing departure from her previous roles. Her portrayal of Sister Junia breaks stereotypes—she smokes,uses harsh language,and operates independently. Her chemistry with Jeon Yeo-been is palpable, drawing viewers into their perilous journey. Moon Woo-jin also shines as the possessed boy, delivering a tense and convincing performance, especially in the climactic scenes.
While Dark Nuns can be enjoyed as a standalone film, it’s even more rewarding for those familiar with The Priests. The film includes subtle nods to its predecessor, adding layers of intrigue. However,newcomers need not worry—the story is accessible and engaging,even if it doesn’t reach the heights of its inspiration.
| Key Details | Information |
|——————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Director | Kwon Hyeok-jae |
| Cast | Song Hye-kyo, Jeon Yeo-been, Lee jin-wook, Moon woo-jin |
| Genre | Supernatural Thriller |
| Spin-off of | The Priests (2015) |
| Release | Available at XXI cinema network in Indonesia |
Dark Nuns is a testament to the evolution of Korean horror, blending tradition with innovation. While it may not fully escape the confines of its genre, it offers a compelling narrative and standout performances that make it worth watching. For those seeking a dark, immersive experience, Dark Nuns delivers.
Candra Aditya,a writer and film observer,aptly summarizes: “After Exhuma succeeded in showing that Korean horror has fangs,dark Nuns is here with Song hye-kyo to prove once again that Korean horror is a nutritious meal.”
Catch Dark Nuns in theaters and immerse yourself in its chilling tale of faith, fear, and the supernatural.
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Interview With The Filmmakers Of Dark Nuns
Editor: What inspired the creation of Dark Nuns? Was it always intended as a spin-off to The Priests?
Director Kwon hyeok-jae: The idea for Dark nuns came from a desire to explore the darker, more mysterious aspects of faith and supernatural forces. We wanted to create a story that was both intense and deeply rooted in the traditions of Korean horror. As for its connection to The Priests, it wasn’t initially planned, but as the story developed, we saw an opportunity to expand that universe while introducing new characters and challenges.
Editor: How did you approach portraying the exorcism rituals in the film?
Kwon Hyeok-jae: Authenticity was key. We consulted with experts and studied conventional practices to ensure the rituals felt genuine. The goal was to create an atmosphere of tension and realism, so the audience would feel immersed in the experience. We also wanted to respect the gravity of these rituals, as they are deeply significant to those who practice them.
Editor: What drew you to casting Song Hye-kyo and Jeon Yeo-been in the lead roles?
Kwon Hyeok-jae: Both actresses bring amazing depth and versatility to thier roles.Song Hye-kyo’s conversion into sister Junia was captivating—she embraced the character’s rebellious spirit and complexity. Jeon Yeo-been, conversely, had this quiet intensity that perfectly suited Sister Michaela’s journey. Their chemistry was undeniable, and it elevated the emotional core of the film.
Editor: The film’s visuals are striking. How did you settle on the blue and grey colour palette?
Kwon Hyeok-jae: We wanted the visuals to reflect the somber and unsettling tone of the story. The blue and gray hues evoke a sense of coldness and isolation, which aligns with the nuns’ struggles and the dark forces they face. It also helps to create a cohesive and immersive world that draws the audience into the narrative.
Editor: What challenges did you face while balancing the film’s serious tone with its supernatural elements?
Kwon Hyeok-jae: It was a delicate balance. We wanted to maintain the gravity of the exorcism story without relying on overt horror tropes. The focus was always on the characters’ faith and their internal battles. It was vital to us that the audience felt the weight of their decisions and the stakes of their mission.
Editor: what do you hope audiences take away from Dark Nuns?
Kwon Hyeok-jae: We hope it sparks conversations about faith, resilience, and the fight against darkness—both external and internal. Above all, we want viewers to be moved by the journey of Sister Junia and Sister Michaela and to feel the intensity of their story.
Candra Aditya: After Exhuma succeeded in showing that Korean horror has fangs, Dark Nuns is here with Song Hye-kyo to prove once again that Korean horror is a nutritious meal.
Dark Nuns is a testament to the evolution of Korean horror, blending tradition with innovation. While it may not fully escape the confines of its genre, it offers a compelling narrative and standout performances that make it worth watching. for those seeking a dark, immersive experience, Dark Nuns delivers.
