The Guest (2018)

A very human story

If you want to see a supernatural drama involving evil spirits and possessions that leads to people commiting unforgivable crimes, well you've come to the right drama.

The Guest is a very human drama about a young psychic and two others as they inevitably had to deal with a strong evil spirit that has set its goal on one of them and proceeds to terrorize everyone who ever come in contact with them. It was a scary journey as well as dark one, yet in a way it was quite healing as we watch how Hwapyung, Yoon and Kilyoung try their absolute best to try saving as much people they could while also trying to hunt down the evil spirits as well as the corrupted people that calls for it.

While the supernatural and criminal aspect of the story could be quite dark and scary, the fact that our trio were able to counter the obstacles and save people who were being possessed carried a healing message of hope that good can defeat evil. And that was quite healing, in a sense.

That said, I love the soundtrack. The main theme Somewhere have fully captured the emotional turmoil of Yun Hwapyung and his internal struggle for being the one targetted by the evil spirit. The song was quite haunting and filled with a sense of loneliness. Yet, there was still a hint of hope as you can hear a plea for help slipped in between the song lyrics.

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Horror genre is not my cup of tea but this one succeeded in reeling me in. With a solid beginning, this drama makes you question who the 'guest' is. And even if you have the answer, the twist will slap you hard in the face. The three protagonists' interaction was fun to watch and their strong bond made it hard to not love them. If you like a show with no unnecessary romance between its characters, then this one's perfect for you. Their friendship is one of the highlights of the show.

And kudos to the other casts. Playing a possessed person is not easy yet they did it in a way that's so convincing. These people deserve a standing ovation for their marvellous performance.

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Good supernatural mystery

Pretty cool supernatural thriller. Not really a horror, I didn't find it scary, even when it tried to make me feel afraid.....but maybe that's just me.

The main issue are the main characters having communication issues. Too many times they phone someone, say they have crucial info, then hang up and say "will call you later", of course they never call later and they are punished for that.

Also, when the recipient isn't picking up....do none of them know that phones have "text message" function? They could just write all the important info there instead of having to TALK.
For this reason, the story feels like it was set or written in the early 2000's, not 2018. Also, why do none of the police people carry guns?

And the characters charge into danger way too eagerly. For the main trio it's somewhat justified, as they are all described as hot-headed, and they aren't even main offenders. The main offenders are various side characters, like Kang Gil Young's mother in the first episode. Like she went into a house even tho the guy who opened the door had literal blood on his hands, and didn't call reinforcements until she found dead bodies inside? Like what? And this pattern of suicidal stupidity will repeat multiple times. Fortunately, the story has enough decency to punish these idiots for that each and every time.

The various mysteries presented in the story were pretty good. The writer did an overall very good job at setting the clues and red herrings, and I'm ashamed to admit, in the end, I was tricked too! So well done, well done. The actors delivered their roles spectacularly too, and the camera play and scenery were on point.

Last but not least, I will never forget the name of PARK....ILL...DOOOOOO considering how many times it was screamed in this series.

Warning: The show features lengthy "previously" sections at the beginning of each episode. You know, where they narrate what happened until now. And it's the longest "previously" I've ever seen, in one episode it lasted for whole 10 minutes! Just skip, or enjoy if you like this kinda stuff.

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I usually stay away from horror movies and anything that involves demonic situations because I'm a wuss and proud of it.

I had to get myself to only watch two episodes a day. Since I had to work I had to break it up into one in the daytime and the other at night. Some episodes I wish I had waited till the daytime to watch.

I knew I was in for it after the first few episodes. They had me wanting to turn on every light in the house...heck I was even tempted to leave the refrigerator door open!

I suck at names and don't even get me started on foreign names but for some odd reason I will remember Park Il Do...Even though that name was constantly being mentioned I won't forget that name for a while.

The casts who played as if they were possessed did a phenomenal job! Especially the little girl. I was relieved to see that each child who had to endure demonic situations received proper counseling because thinking about how many takes each actor had to do over and over would have a huge impact on their mental state. I, myself, had to watch something light after each episode to keep this off of my mind. Especially when I go to bed. I didn't want that to be the last thing on my mind.

The make up and special effect scenes were spot on. It had a realness to it. I've heard of people being possessed and it's no joke!! It almost made me question whether the director and writer experienced something like this or they just did a phenomenal job in doing their research on possessions.

I did have some takeaways from this drama. As I said before I truly suck at names and foreign ones are no exception. The guy who played the young priest had no emotion AT ALL!! Plus to me, he looked too creepy to play a priest! It doesn't help that I just saw four seasons of Voice and he played the villain in the first drama. He plays creepy really well, so this priest role was truly wrong for him.
The bromance was just too light and the chemistry between the main and supporting characters was just too thin. Plus the situation between the main male lead being able to see dead people was barely touched on. We learned he had this ability when he was a kid but it was long forgotten and just added back at the 15th episode.
The story behind Park Il Do was like a run on sentence. The explanation of his existence was just thrown into a monologue in the 16th episode.

It went off as if it will continue. I don't see how it could work because it'll be like repeating the first 16 episodes all over again.

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The best horror-themed drama I've watched

First off, let me say I'm a big horror buff. Mention a horror film title, there's a 90% chance I've seen it. I rarely find them scary anymore. As for horror type K-dramas? I've yet to find one even remotely scary. The Guest was the only one I found at least unsettling. While the actual 'ghosts' weren't really frightening, the cinematography, sound design, and scenery created this gritty, off-kilter feel I really enjoyed. Fair warning: it's a pretty dark watch, and doesn't shy away from gore/violence/death.

Story: I found the plot of this one really cool. It was smart and kept me guessing. I liked how it blended elements of traditional shamanism and Catholicism. There's a bit of a demon-of-the-week format as our trio track down the Big Bad, but I found each mini-story compelling and tied nicely to the main plot. The pacing is great, and the slow-but-steady reveals kept the mystery from dragging. Knocked a point off because the 'climax' and final exposition scene could've been handled better, and some of the conflicts felt a bit repetitive. The actual end was satisfying however, though I've read criticisms that it left too much unanswered. I was fine with it.

Acting/Cast: Perfection! From our incredible main trio, to the memorable side characters, to the portrayals of the possessed, the performances in this drama absolutely made this drama. Yes, our three heroes are incredibly flawed people, and I could see why some might find them frustrating. But I thought the show did a good job of explaining why they were that way, and it made their character and relationship development more realistic and satisfying. The only reason I didn't give it a 10 is because I found the human antagonist too over the top - she tended to come across as cartoonish rather than the sinister vibe I think they were going for.

I rarely give 10s, but I'm giving one here, despite the show's missteps, because I thoroughly enjoyed it beginning to end. It drew me into the world and made me care about almost every character. And the art direction was fantastic. Recommended if you're looking for something dark and a bit different.

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A Haunting Horror Tale

This year was the year I dipped my fingers into the Horror genre. I tried a little bit of everything: indie, arthouse, 80's classics... While I liked most of what I saw, nothing the West could offer surpassed the kind of excellence "The Guest" was.

"The Guest" opens up with the most chilling, intense and horrifying 30 minutes and continues to build suspense and terror during the entire drama. The premise of this series is relatively simple: three people who share the trauma of the same harrowing night as children come together after 20 years to catch the spirit responsible for the tragedy. Still, this description falls short; nothing prepared for the grip "The Guest" would have on me. The series is masterfully crafted, it seamlessly blends mystery, thriller and horror into a dreadful game of cat-and-mouse.

The central characters are deeply flawed - they fight, they're stubborn and impulsive, but also compassionate and very human. The kind of bond that forms between these tragic heroes is one of mutual understanding and loyalty.

"The Guest" isn't just scary (it might not frighten you at all)- but it's petrifying. Not because of jumpscares and ghosts, but because you cannot help but feel for the possessed people and their awful lives. It's like watching a ticking time bomb finally explode and leave a trail of carnage and blood behind. The exorcism scenes were cathartic and mesmerizing to watch - each was tense and grisly, and the performances were truly immersive.

While the strength of "The Guest" definitively lies in the twists, turns and reveals of the storyline, none of it could be achieved without lighting and music. The red, orange, blue and purple hues contrasted nicely with the dark scenes. They were atmospheric and eye-pleasing, perfectly complimenting the cinematography. The lights worked in tandem with the music, too: the title track "Somewhere" was beautifully sorrowful, and the rest of the OST was as much haunting, nostalgic and melancholic.

One day I'll return to watch it again, to spot all the clues and gain a new perspective, but for now, I'll leave "The Guest" how it is - a masterful piece about humans and family tragedies.

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Creepy mystery.

Most of the time I tend to stay away from the horror genre because the writing is always last on the priority list and heavy on the jump-scares and gore. Not this one. This has an actual story which begins when a series of unexplained murders take place in a small coastal town in South Korea. After a series of tragic events that affect the lives of three children well into adulthood, they are once again reunited to solve a series of murders that are gruesomely tied to their past. Now a cop, a priest, and a taxi driver, these three must uncover the sinister secrets in order to solve the mysteries that have altered their lives and threaten to destroy their futures.

The three MLs are well-developed characters masterfully played by Kim Dong Wook as the taxi driver, Kim Jae Wook as the priest, and Jung Eun Chae as the detective They are all damaged adults changed forever by tragic pasts and reunited in friendship to fight crime and battle their dysfunctional personalities. The cop is angry and unfulfilled by loss. She has a chip on her shoulder, a loner, and feels she needs to prove herself by catching the bad guys. She is a force to be reckoned with and that leads to trouble among her colleagues. Jung Eun Chae embraces her character and plays the abrasive and distant detective well, yet brings out a fiercely protective and caring side in the face of danger. Kim Dong Wook is the amateur sleuth taxi driver who is much more interested in solving mysteries than driving his clients to their destinations. His tragic losses have also kept him from forming meaningful relationships due to a struggle to trust others, including those who want the best for him. My favorite character, though, is Kim Jae Wook as the young priest. Jae Wook portrays his character as a quiet brooder, who is very courageous and vulnerable at the same time. He doesn't shy away from his duties no matter how much they affect him. He is ready to sacrifice himself for his friends to the point of pushing them away for their safety. (It also doesn't hurt that he looks so slim and appealing in his priestly garb!) These three are, in fact, masters at pushing each other away until they realize that they are much more effective as a team. The journey of blame and mistrust giving way to fierce friendship is one of the aspects I most appreciated in this story. Stellar performances even from the guest and supporting cast make this show a treat to watch despite the subject matter.

The writing is excellent for the most part. It is gruesome, disturbing,, and downright creepy. At a little over an hour per episode, I could only endure two episodes per day because it is a scary, edge-of-your-seat kind of show. The circumstances surrounding the mysteries keep you guessing until the very end as to whom the culprit might be, Even then there is a twist. The OST is awesome and carries the drama beautifully. This is definitely one to watch if you like creepy mysteries.

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Suspenseful, never boring and...great cinematography

Overall: I loved this one. It's visual quality and production is superb, with the gory and the scary, on par with Strangers From Hell. OST contributed so well to the overall atmosphere and is def worth your playlist. Which reminds me of myriads of emotions this drama made me go through. I was freaking scared (and I watch horrors w no problems), but also I connected to the characters so much that I found myself getting emotional at certain points. This drama does not get boring or monotonous from 1st to last episode, which says a lot on a drama that is based on a single, repeatable purpose, of catching a spirit. This makes it definitely is a worth watch. However, I do not find it rewatchable; while entertaining I did not take the message of the drama, which arguably could be familial love and loyalty as motivation for difficult steps (or revenge?), I did not find drama's message as something clear or meaningful enough for a rewatch. Just meh in that portion.

Detailed Breakdown:
Actors: 8/10
Actors were great, especially main lead, the taxi driver. I forgot their names already but that does not take away from overall exceptional performance. This drama really stretched the characters across spectra of morality, preoccupation, emotions and relationships and I have to say that I trusted the characters 100%, they comfortably switched between one extreme to another.

Storyline: 7/10
The storyline was very refreshing. I thought that three main leads coming together against the spirit, that has ruined their families (and lives), was executed superbly. I did believe each character in their actions which means, for me, that characters were developed well, and they make the storyline.

Entertainment:9/10
I don't know why for so many people mention this drama was not scary. I was freaked out throughout. I find myself recently not finishing most of the dramas I start, I wane off around ep. 12. However, the writers of the Guest knew how to build up tension and make it every time feel different. It definitely kept me in my seat.

Graphic and Aesthetic Quality: 9/10
This show did not hold back on presenting murders in the most graphic way possible. Also the whole demonic-exorcist procedures going on were in intense, and they really used the names of real figures in Catholicism while performing exorcism. This is 2018, but it's gory quality reminded me a bit of Strangers From Hell.

OST: 10/10
The main OST really contributed to the experience of the drama. I absolutely loved how they used their music.

Rewatch: 5/10I am certain that I will go back to the OST, but while it is entertaining and a great experience, I don't feel the need to rewatch it.
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Thanks for reading!
Have a good one,

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this show is on lists of most recommended k-dramas everywhere for a reason, PERIODT!

wow.

where TF do i even begin to describe my admiration for this immaculate drama?!

first of all, i would never have watched this drama for its genre if not because of its title that keeps popping up on lists of most recommended k-dramas everywhere on the internet.

finally when i realise that k-drama fanatics aren't playing when most of them are agreeable in saying that this is a must watch, i relented with a heavy heart thinking 'i am doing this to tick off a to-do list. ughh it really feels like a chore, God help me'.

i remember it was around ep. 4 that i finally warmed up to the story and its lead characters, and by ep. 6, the phenomenal performance by the young possessed woman completely won me over, AND I WAS SOLD!

after that bingewatching this one after the next is a very easy thing to do, LOL.

as a little sidetrack, a new horror Netflix k-drama series, All of Us are Dead just released. i got curious about it, but sadly the review sucked. whenever considering a drama, the story is the most important thing for me, and because of that i feel like my respect and admiration for the writer-director combo for this drama has only deepened.

I'D SAY THIS IS A TRULY PHENOMENAL DRAMA ON EVERY LEVEL.

the pacing is good. mystery/suspense element is good. horror element is good. scriptwriting is excellent. directing is outstanding. casting, chemistry and acting, phenomenal. wow!

i feel the possessed people were build or progressed in a way that they become creepier and unexpected as the story goes on. and as someone who really do not watch this genre almost at all, i can still feel the shiver inside my chest just thinking about them LOL.

also, the finale. i was a bit lost about what happened in the last exorcism scene between Mateo and Hwa Pyung but someone in the comment section clarified that part for me so i'm all good now, haha. i was about to minus 0.5 points if they ruined the ending, kekeke.

WHAT A TRUE MASTERPIECE. this drama truly converted me for its genre and i'm so freaking glad i gave this a chance.

also, the trio's friendship truly warms my heart. i can't wait to rewatch this masterpiece again in the future.

signing out. ^^

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Amazing Series

This series was recommended to me so Thank you who ever did that
I love the supernatural and from A different cultures I was not Disappointed
All the Actors were wonderful and Played there parts to perfection
The 3 Leads In this Show Were simply Amazing You could really feel what they were going through
the way they formed the own little Family even thou they were brought together by Tragedy
and Loss but yet some How managed to put the needs of others over them selves
Especially when It cam to there little Trio They would go Hell and Back for each other

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