Rating: 5/5 -- The layers of dissembling and self-dissembling pile up so thickly that not only does Na evidently touch on something integral about the nature of evil, but actually seems to be in the process of summoning it before your eyes. Full Review

Maybe there are dozens of Korean films exploring religious horror and clashing traditional religions with the Catholic faith, but I've never seen them. And that set me up to be equal parts riveted and terrified. Full Review

The film justifies its epic length, meshing ancient east Asian mythology and rituals with more recognizable horror tropes in a way that feels novel and unpredictable. Full Review

Rating: 4/5 -- By turns funny and despairing, this village noir brings the horror of uncertainty. Full Review

Despite its epic length, THE WAILING never bores as Na slathers his tale with generous supplies of atmosphere and awfulness. -- Grade: B+

THE WAILING is the hard stuff. Handle with care.

4 stars out of 5 -- [Na] takes his time setting up the investigative elements before peeling away these ostensibly formulaic layers to reveal a far more complex blend of police procedural, visceral horror, pitch black comedy and socio-theological allegory.