Netflix's new South Korean thriller, Revelations, released on March 21, 2025, has generated significant buzz, particularly for a nail-biting scene filmed in a single take. The film revolves around three characters: pastor Sung Min-chan (Ryu Jun-yeol), ex-convict Kwon Yang-rae (Shin Min-jae), and detective Lee Yeon-hui (Shin Hyun-bin), all grappling with their inner demons amidst a gripping storyline about a missing person case.
The film begins with Min-chan, a mild-mannered pastor trying desperately to maintain his dwindling congregation while wrestling with personal issues. He faces the shocking realization that his wife is unfaithful and that his position as the leader of a new mega-church is uncertain. Initially, Min-chan's faith and dedication appear unwavering, showcasing his belief in divine revelation, which ultimately leads him down a dark path. Director Yeon Sang-ho diligently crafted each scene, particularly a high-stakes moment that serves as a turning point for the characters.
According to Yeon, “When we were creating the storyboard, I thought that we might have to divide it into different cuts. But, as we were filming, I thought, this is a really climactic scene for the trio, and I need something very special.” The importance of this scene cannot be overstated, as it embodies the film's tension and emotional stakes.
On the other hand, Yang-rae, portrayed by Shin Min-jae, is an ex-convict whose violent past catches up with him. His character's horrifying history includes kidnapping the younger sister of Lee Yeon-hui, an event that leads to her tragic death. Yeon-hui, now a detective, is determined to avenge her sister’s suffering by seeking justice and apprehending Yang-rae, a man she believes embodies the darkness that took her sibling away from her.
The intricate plot thickens when Min-chan's fears regarding Yang-rae lead to an altercation where he believes he might have killed him in self-defense. However, fate has more in store for these intertwined lives. Yang-rae survives the encounter, which sets off a chain reaction of moral dilemmas for Min-chan, who grapples with his religious beliefs while becoming increasingly violent in his actions.
One of the gripping aspects of Revelations is its exploration of “pareidolia,” a phenomenon where the human brain interprets random stimuli as meaningful entities. As Yeon describes, “It's something that only humans do, and I think it's like a tendency that all of us have.” This psychological element weaves through the narrative as the characters struggle to justify their choices through the illusion of divine guidance.
As the story progresses, Min-chan's self-justifications lead him to the conclusion that slaughtering Yang-rae is his divine calling. He rationalizes his violent intentions under the guise of a higher prophecy, claiming, “This isn't my will. It's all God's will.” This chilling mindset becomes a focal point of the film, as it raises questions about morality and justice.
At a critical juncture, while Yang-rae is bound and bleeding, he offers a crucial clue regarding A-yeong, another victim who has been kidnapped: “The girl… the one-eyed monster ate her.” This revelation becomes pivotal in the investigation led by Yeon-hui, as she desperately races against time to save A-yeong while also confronting her own trauma.
The culmination arrives when Yeon-hui finally tracks Min-chan and Yang-rae to an abandoned building site, where she must navigate a tense confrontation. Meanwhile, Min-chan's delusions intertwine with Yeon-hui’s haunting memories of her deceased sister, creating a psychological battle that pits faith against reality.
In a dramatic conclusion, the connection between the characters intensifies when Yang-rae falls to his death during a struggle that leaves Yeon-hui with the agonizing choice of saving him or letting go. Min-chan is ultimately apprehended, leading to a somber jail visit from Yeon-hui, who delivers shocking news: A-yeong is alive and well.
The closing moments reveal the thematic core of Revelations. Min-chan, reflecting on the consequences of his actions, struggles with the notion that perhaps he has misinterpreted God’s will. “Most tragedies in life are caused by a combination of circumstances we can't control. Things like the devil and monsters are created by humans to justify themselves,” states the therapist, succinctly summarizing the film's underlying message of human fallibility.
Drawing upon rich allegory and stark character studies, Yeon Sang-ho crafts a narrative that resonates deeply, as it probes the fragile boundaries between faith, trauma, and moral justification. Revelations encourages viewers to question the deeper meanings behind their own perceptions and beliefs, reflecting on how life’s tragedies can lead individuals to create their own demons. The film's blend of emotional intensity and psychological complexity offers a profound cinematic experience, making it a notable entry in contemporary Korean cinema.
Available now to stream on Netflix, Revelations invites audiences into its dark, twisting narrative that explores the intersections of personal belief and inherent morality in a gripping, character-driven drama.
By telling a story filled with emotional depth, breathtaking performances, and psychological intrigue, Revelations leaves viewers contemplating the unseen forces at play in their own lives.
