Slow burning horror with the venerable Song Kang-ho (Thirst, Memories of Murder) as the leader of an expedition to the farthest inland point of the Antarctic. As the weeks of marching across the harsh floes begin to take their psychological toll on the explorers, they start to have doubts about their journey when they find the remains of long dead Norwegian adventurer. In spite of the sameness of the exteriors, shots are framed artfully and establish a creeping dread and isolation that builds to a terrifying, eldritch conclusion. Reminiscent of Gus Van Sant's 2002 desert trek Gerry, by way of Lovecraft.
Director Yim Pil-Sung went on to make an unconventional folk horror film in 2007's Hansel and Gretel, also worth seeing.
Director Yim Pil-Sung went on to make an unconventional folk horror film in 2007's Hansel and Gretel, also worth seeing.