“Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum” (2018) is a South Korean horror film directed by Jeong Beom-sik. It is known for its found footage style, which has become a popular format for creating immersive and frightening experiences. Here’s a detailed review of the film:

Plot and Setting

The film centers around a group of people who are filming a live stream from the infamous

 Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital, an abandoned asylum rumored to be haunted. The team, consisting of both seasoned and amateur ghost hunters, plans to document their experience to attract viewers and boost their online following. As they delve deeper into the asylum, they encounter increasingly disturbing and supernatural occurrences.

Atmosphere and Tension

One of the film’s strongest aspects is its atmosphere. The dilapidated and eerie setting of the asylum is effectively used to create a sense of dread and claustrophobia. The found footage style enhances the immersion, making the audience feel like they are right there with the characters. The movie’s use of shadows, creaky floors, and unsettling sounds builds a palpable tension throughout.

Characters and Performance

The characters are somewhat typical for the genre—there’s the skeptical leader, the nervous newcomer, and the brave thrill-seeker. While they might not be deeply developed, their interactions and reactions to the unfolding events feel genuine and contribute to the film’s authenticity. The cast delivers solid performances, adding to the overall believability of the found footage format.

Scares and Horror Elements

The film excels in generating scares through a combination of psychological and supernatural horror. It relies more on atmospheric tension and suspense rather than graphic violence. The jump scares, while not overly original, are effective due to the film’s intense build-up and the use of sound design. The gradual escalation of terrifying events keeps the audience engaged and anxious.

Criticisms

Some viewers might find the pacing slow at times, especially in the film’s setup and build-up. Additionally, while the found footage approach is well-executed, it may not offer much new to fans of the genre who are accustomed to similar formats. The plot can feel somewhat predictable, as it follows familiar horror tropes and patterns.

Conclusion

Overall, “Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum” is a well-crafted horror film that leverages its found footage style to deliver a chilling and immersive experience. Its atmospheric tension, effective scares, and solid performances make it a standout entry in the genre, particularly for those who appreciate supernatural horror and ghost stories. While it may not break new ground, it succeeds in providing an engaging and frightening experience.