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Revelations: Korean Movie Review

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Netflix’s latest thriller, Revelations (계시록), marks another daring departure by acclaimed director Yeon Sang-ho. Known for his groundbreaking work in Train to Busan and Hellbound, Yeon Sang-ho now plunges into a suspenseful narrative that interweaves themes of faith, trauma, and human perception. This review explores how the film’s intense atmosphere and morally ambiguous characters compel audiences to question the very nature of divine intervention and psychological breakdown.

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Revelations

Title: Revelations (계시록)

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Drama

Starring: Ryu Jun-yeol and Shin Hyun-been

Release Date: March 21, 2025

Director: Yeon Sang-ho

Writer(s): Yeon Sang-ho, Choi Gyu-seok

Based On: Revelations by Yeon Sang-ho and Choi Gyu-seok.

Streaming Platform: Netflix

Country of Origin: South Korea

Synopsis

Revelations opens with Pastor Sung Min-chan (portrayed by Ryu Jun-yeol), whose fervent beliefs are shattered when he encounters Kwon Yang-rae (a chilling performance by Shin Min-jae). An unsettling divine revelation leads Min-chan to mistakenly believe that Yang-rae is responsible for the disappearance of his son. This conviction spirals into a violent chase, culminating in a harrowing encounter where the pastor pushes Yang-rae off a cliff.

Parallel to this, Detective Lee Yeon-hee (delivered with quiet intensity by Shin Hyun-been) is drawn into a missing person case with haunting personal ties, her investigation into a young girl’s disappearance is fueled by the traumatic memory of her sister’s brutal murder. As Yeon-hee digs deeper, she begins to suspect that Min-chan’s drastic actions are not guided by divine will, but by a disturbed mind.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn when it reveals Yang-rae’s tragic backstory, a childhood marred by abuse that now haunts him in the form of a terror-inducing phobia towards “One-Eyed Monsters.” This revelation not only deepens the mystery but also questions whether the film’s supernatural elements are genuine or merely manifestations of human trauma and apophenia, the tendency to find patterns in randomness.

If you enjoyed “Revelations Unravelling Faith and Madness” then check out for more recommendations!

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Revelations

Characters and Stellar Performances

  • Ryu Jun-yeol as Pastor Sung Min-chan:
    His transformation from a devout pastor to a man overtaken by a self-righteous mission is both unsettling and mesmerizing.

  • Shin Hyun-been as Detective Lee Yeon-hee:
    With a performance marked by quiet determination and raw vulnerability, her character embodies the conflict between personal trauma and professional duty.

  • Shin Min-jae as Kwon Yang-rae:
    Portraying a character whose menacing presence is counterbalanced by hints of deep-seated pain, his performance adds a compelling layer of complexity to the narrative.

The supporting cast, including Han Ji-hyun, Kim Bo-min, and others, enriches the storyline by providing essential context and emotional depth, ensuring that every character plays a pivotal role in the unfolding drama.

Is Revelations the Watch?

Pros:

  • Directed by the renowned Yeon Sang-ho (Train to Busan, Hellbound)

  • Stellar performances by Ryu Jun-yeol and Shin Hyun-been

  • Gripping atmosphere with excellent cinematography and a moody soundtrack

  • Explores complex themes of faith, trauma, and morality

  • Features a spectacularly tense one-take sequence

  • Enjoys significant global popularity on Netflix

Cons:

  • Mixed critical reviews

  • Some plot points may feel predictable or rushed

  • Certain character actions seem forced or confusing

  • The resolution may leave some viewers with unresolved questions

  • Religious themes may not appeal to every audience

Revelations Trailer

Revelations Cast

Main:

  • Ryu Jun-yeol as Sung Min-chan
  • Shin Hyun-been as Lee Yeon-hee
  • Shin Min-jae as Kwon Yang-rae

Supporting:

  • Han Ji-hyun as Lee Yeon-joo
  • Kim Bo-min as Shin A-young
  • Kim Do-young as Lee Nak-seong
  • Moon Joo-yeon as Lee Si-young
  • Bae Youn-gyu as So Eun-gyu
  • Oh Chi-woon as Team leader
  • Woo Kang-min as Section chief
  • Joo In-young as Shin A-yeong’s mom

Other:

  • Jeon Woon-jong as Detective
  • Lee Han-sol as Detective
  • Choi Kwang-il as Jung Guk-Hwan
  • Lee Se-ho as Jung Hwan-Su
  • Do Yong-gu as Lee Yeon-Hui’s dad
  • Han Se-ra as Nursing home staff
  • Park Ji-yeon as Lawyer
  • Hong Suk-bin as Judge
  • Lee Joo-young as Pastor’s wife
  • Oh Chang-kyung as Foreman
  • Han Sang-chul as Mr. Kwon
  • Shin Kang-kyun as Patient
  • Ko Seo-hee as Patient’s daughter-in-law

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