In The Priests, writer and director Jang Jae-hyun creates a riveting film about the demonic forces that lurk in the shadows. Set against the sprawling, modern backdrop of Seoul, South Korea, the unyielding priest, Father Kim (Kim Yoon-seok), works to exorcise a demon that has possessed a young girl, Young-shin (Park So-dam). After several failed attempts and excommunication by the Archdiocese of Seoul, he is rendered a loner with a mission. Frightened away by the ordeal, his former assistants refuse to help him save the girl. All seems to be lost when young Deacon Choi (Gang Dong-won) is assigned to investigate whether Father Kim’s intentions with the young girl are truly righteous. The darkness they are about to confront together is something for which nothing could have prepared them.
Park So-dam as the possessed Young-shin, lying in a hospital bed.
“…Father Kim works to exorcise a demon that has possessed a young girl…”
Jae-hyun has penned a story that both frightens and entices, while taking the audience through the deep city streets of Seoul. The film’s central relationship–a weary veteran priest and his young, skeptical partner–has the familiar cadence of an 80’s buddy-cop movie, yet the story never loses its serious nature. This gravity is anchored in the film’s deep respect for its subject matter, even quoting scripture like Ezekiel 2:6, which commands one to “be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words.” This theme is perfectly encapsulated when Father Kim explains the grim reality of demon possession to Deacon Choi, comparing them to hired hands tasked with forcibly evicting a resident who refuses to leave–a chilling metaphor for their mission.
The performances are what truly sell this dynamic. Kim Yoon-seok conveys a heavy weariness layered with unshakable determination as Father Kim; every scene underscores his desperate commitment to ridding the child of the demon that possesses her. Gang Dong-won stands out as Deacon Choi, skillfully portraying a character arc that begins with youthful skepticism but organically evolves, inheriting the faith and steely resolve of his mentor. The film, however, belongs to Park So-dam, who gives a truly chilling performance as the possessed Young-shin. With hauntingly effortless flair, her facial contortions and malevolent presence breathe pure evil onto the screen.
Presenting a potent image of the demonic that leaves the audience contemplating good, evil, and the ways that faith can shape us, The Priests is a highly recommended spiritual thrill ride that will knock you off your feet.
"…a spiritual thrill ride that will knock you off your feet..."
