Exploring the Supernatural in 'The Black Nuns': A Sequel to 'The Black Priests'

Hello, this is a review of the highly anticipated film 'The Black Nuns' (검은 수녀들), which premieres on January 24. This film serves as a sequel to the well-received 'The Black Priests' (검은 사제들) from 2015, with a new director, Kwon Hyuk-jae, taking the helm from Jang Jae-hyun. After rewatching 'The Black Priests' the night before the premiere, I was struck by its quality, which I had overlooked a decade ago. Having recently watched films like 'Hitman 2' and 'Ghost Police', the focused storytelling of 'The Black Priests' felt refreshing.

'The Black Nuns' is one of the most talked-about films this Lunar New Year, especially with Song Hye-kyo in the lead role. Fans are eager to see how she transforms from her character in 'The Glory'. Right from the opening scene, she surprises viewers by lighting a cigarette, challenging our expectations of a nun. The protagonist, Sister Unia, performs an exorcism on a possessed child, who hurls insults at her, showcasing a bold approach to the character.

The film introduces Sister Michaela (Jeon Yeo-been) and Father Paulo (Lee Jin-wook), who believes in the power of medicine over the occult. The narrative closely mirrors 'The Black Priests', with familiar character dynamics, including a priest facing a similar fate as in the previous film.

A notable difference in 'The Black Nuns' is its incorporation of shamanistic elements. Sister Unia is unafraid to cross boundaries in her exorcism methods, which could have felt fresh if not for the strong association with the previous film's shaman character played by Kim Go-eun. The film's setting shifts from mountains to the sea, but the execution lacks the intensity expected from the occult genre, resulting in a film that feels more like a drama than a horror.

The film's climax hinges on a character, Aedong (Shin Jae-hwi), who was initially dismissed as insignificant. His transformation into a key player in the exorcism adds depth to the narrative, emphasizing the theme of overlooked individuals rising to save the day.

However, the film struggles to fully realize its potential. The emotional buildup leading to key scenes is lacking, and the exorcism sequences often feel tedious and uninspired. The film's reliance on water torture as a method of exorcism raises questions about its horror elements, as the physical violence depicted feels more akin to a gangster film than a supernatural thriller.

The director's vision seems unclear, lacking a unique perspective on the occult. If the intention was to explore female solidarity, the choice of the horror genre may have been misguided. The film's runtime of two hours feels stretched with repetitive dialogue and scenes that could have been trimmed without losing impact.

Song Hye-kyo's portrayal of Sister Unia may remind some viewers of her character Moon Dong-eun from 'The Glory', as both characters exhibit a restrained yet determined nature against formidable foes. Jeon Yeo-been's Sister Michaela appears underdeveloped, losing her initial depth as the film progresses.

Ultimately, 'The Black Nuns' fails to capitalize on its intriguing premise, resulting in a film that feels lackluster in both the horror and drama categories. This reinforces the notion that a film's success often hinges on the director's artistic vision.

If you're planning to catch a movie during the Lunar New Year, 'The Black Nuns' might be worth your time. Stay tuned for more reviews on other films this holiday season.