The Wailing

The Wailing

Year: 2016

Runtime: 156 min

Language: Korean

Director: Hong-jin Na

MysteryThrillerFantasyHorror

A mysterious stranger's arrival in a quiet rural village brings an unsettling atmosphere and growing suspicion. As unexplained illnesses and disturbing events plague the community, fear and violence erupt among the residents. A local police officer investigates the escalating crisis while his daughter falls ill, leading him to seek help from a shaman. His search for answers unleashes an ancient and terrifying power, endangering the entire village.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Wailing yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Wailing (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Wailing (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie does not specify an exact time period, allowing for a timeless quality to the events. The themes of paranoia, fear, and the supernatural are prevalent in various historical contexts, reflecting humanity's struggle against the unknown.

Location

quaint village in South Korea, isolated house

The story unfolds in a quaint village nestled within the South Korean mountains, known for its serene landscapes and tight-knit community. The isolation of the village creates a sense of vulnerability, making it a perfect backdrop for the mysterious illness that disrupts the peaceful environment.

🏔️ Mountains 🏡 Isolation

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:10

Main Characters – The Wailing (2016)

Meet the key characters of The Wailing (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jong-goo (Jeong-min Hwang)

Jong-goo is a dedicated police officer who becomes increasingly desperate as he investigates the mysterious illness affecting his village and his family. He shows resilience and determination but is also plagued by fears for his daughter’s safety, showcasing a deep emotional complexity in his character.

👮‍♂️ Police 💔 Fatherhood

Moo-myeong (Jun Kunimura)

Moo-myeong is an enigmatic young woman whose motives remain unclear throughout the film. She seems to possess knowledge about the supernatural elements affecting the village, yet her true nature is ambiguous, leading to a captivating tension between trust and suspicion.

👻 Mysterious 🧙‍♀️ Shamanism

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:10

Major Themes – The Wailing (2016)

Explore the central themes of The Wailing (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧟‍♂️ Supernatural Threat

A mysterious illness sweeps through the village, leading to violent and deadly episodes among the inhabitants. The story delves into the fear of the unknown, with the villagers and the main character struggling to uncover the source of the affliction, which is hinted to have supernatural origins.

🕵️‍♂️ Investigation

The protagonist, Officer Jong-goo, embarks on a desperate investigation to uncover the truth behind the strange occurrences. The theme of investigation highlights the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their loved ones and confront their fears, often leading to unforeseen consequences.

💔 Family Struggle

At the heart of the story is Jong-goo's struggle to protect his daughter, Hyo-jin, from the mysterious illness. This theme explores the lengths a parent will go to in order to save their child and the emotional turmoil that arises when threats to the family emerge from within their own community.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:10

Unlock the Full Story of The Wailing

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Wailing in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Wailing is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Wailing Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Wailing, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Wailing Summary

The Wailing Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Wailing with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Wailing Timeline

More About The Wailing

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Wailing: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Wailing

Similar Movies to The Wailing

Discover movies like The Wailing that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.