Haunted Asylum: Survival Not Guaranteed

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MOVIE REVIEW
Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (Gon-ji-am)
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2018, 2024 Second Sight Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Jung Bum-shik
Writer(s): Jung Bum-shik, Sang-min Park
Cast: Wi Ha-joon, Lee Seung-wook, Park Ji-hyun
Language: Korean with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available June 24, 2024; pre-order here www.secondsightfilms.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: One of the best and most underrated found footage horror films found a new home with a stunning release by Second Sight Films. Echoes of a tormented past reverberate through the corridors of the infamous (and very real) Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital, masterfully captured in GONJIAM: HAUNTED ASYLUM. Under the direction of Jung Bum-shik, this chilling narrative unfolds within the lonely walls of one of South Korea's most haunted locales. At the center of the action is Wi Ha-Joon, playing Ha-Joon, an adventurous YouTuber who leads his "Horror Times" crew into the heart of darkness, determined to document the rumored supernatural activities that haunt this abandoned asylum.

GONJIAM: HAUNTED ASYLUM initially greets the audience with a façade of normalcy, presenting casual exchanges among the crew that mask the brewing storm. This veneer of everyday interactions quickly crumbles as the crew’s explorations turn sinister, propelling the found-footage genre to new heights with a fresh set of scares crafted against a notoriously eerie setting. One of my favorite aspects of the film is how real it feels; a lot of found footage-style films suffer because they have to end up forcing reality, but here, the groundwork has already been laid out with a genuinely haunting past.

As the team ventures deeper into the asylum's shadowy confines, each frame is expertly crafted to heighten the feeling of entrapment and looming danger. The film’s cinematography embraces a raw, unpolished aesthetic that intensifies the gritty reality of the setting, immersing the audience in an atmosphere thick with tension. Most of the film was shot at the National Maritime High School in Busan, with the crew adhering as closely as possible to the actual hospital.

Wi Ha-Joon's dynamic portrayal of Ha-Joon anchors the cast, whose expressions of fear and uncertainty drive the narrative from a tense beginning to a frenzied, chaotic climax. The genuine interactions among the characters provide a solid foundation of relatability that enhances the impact of their terrifying encounters, making the supernatural elements more jarring and effective.

Jung manipulates traditional horror elements such as startling noises and fleeting apparitions, integrating them into the film’s fabric to amplify the suspense and terror. The pacing is tightly controlled, with each scene building upon the last to escalate the tension and fear in sync with the unfolding drama.

The film's authenticity is bolstered by its ties to the myths and legends surrounding Gonjiam Hospital, lending a layer of historical intrigue that enriches the storyline. This integration of folklore anchors the film’s supernatural occurrences within a context that resonates with eerie plausibility.

Navigating familiar genre territory, GONJIAM: HAUNTED ASYLUM distinguishes itself with its exceptional atmospheric control and clever setting. The asylum becomes pivotal in the story, enhancing the narrative's haunting presence and storied past.

GONJIAM: HAUNTED ASYLUM revitalized the found-footage approach, blending classic horror tropes with innovative elements to create a gripping, chilling narrative. This film is a must-watch for anyone drawn to the thrill of supernatural stories and psychological horror, delivering an experience that is as unforgettable as it is unsettling.

Special Features:
New audio commentary by Mary Beth McAndrews and Terry Mesnard
Fear the Unknown: Zoë Rose Smith on Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum

Archive featuerettes:
The Beginning of the Rumours
The New Faces
The Sanctum of Horror
The Truth of the Ghostlore
The Live Recording
The Press Conference
Trailers

Limited Edition Contents:
Rigid slipcase with new artwork by Luke Headland
70-page book with new essays by Sarah Appleton, James Marsh, Meagan Navarro, and Amber T
Six collectors' art cards

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[photo courtesy of SECOND SIGHT FILMS]

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