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Summary
- Revelations, a new Korean thriller only on Netflix, offers an unsettling tone and vibe similar to Train to Busan.
- The film focuses on two characters investigating a missing person’s case, with elements of divine intervention.
- Revelations promises intense emotional stakes and action, departing from Sang-ho’s typical zombie genre.
Netflix is quickly becoming the home of some of the best Korean horror thrillers in the streaming world. Now a much anticipated new take on otherworldly drama and thrills and chills by the man behind Train to Busan is coming to the platform on March 21. Revelations isn’t coming close to telling the same story as Train to Busan, but it does have the same unsettling tone, visual effects, and overall vibe that made that previous zombie movie so popular.
One of Yeon Sang-ho’s claims to fame is that when he does launch a new project, it’s never really the same thing over and over again and while he continues his partnership with Netflix, Revelations definitely looks like this movie will be quite different. In some ways, the film looks like it will be smaller in scope and won’t involve the potential destruction of the entire Asian country. It could be argued that when Revelations arrives exclusively on Netflix on March 21, it also marks a welcome departure from the zombie genre that put the director on the map for so many American audiences.
What Is The Train To Busan Director’s Project, Revelations About?
Adapted from Sang-ho’s webtoon of the same name, Revelations is primarily centered on two major characters whose run afoul of one another when they each set out to seek the truth about a missing person’s case. One of the main charactrs in this new project from the famed Train to Busan director is the pastor of a local church, Min-chan who believes he’s received a divine revelation about the the person responsible for the disappearance of a young churchgoer. In other words, the priest believes that God is talking to him in order to help solve the mystery of the apparent abduction and possible murder.
The suspect, ex-con Kwon Yang-rae, is singled out by Min-Chan after he visits the church of the priest in question just after the accused leaves prison. The man who is also behind Hellbound has another main character that has plenty of mysteries behind him. On the other hand, is a troubled detective, Yeon-hui, who is often haunted by visions of his dead sister and it’s possible these visions are also driven by something a bit … divine. When he is assigned to work on the missing person’s case, Yeon-hui soon draws a connection between Min-chan and Yang-rae. Eventually, all the moving parts come together, as the personalities clash and the thriller truly takes shape.
One of the ways in which these characters clash is that it’s possible that including a hint that the pastor may have been wrong about his initial convictions. However, he realizes his error too late and must face the consequences of his actions. Just where this new movie that definitely stil has the feel of other flicks like Train to Busan will go isn’t known yet, though there was also a trailer released ahead of the March 21 launch on Netflix. “With twisted faith, madness begins,” teases a logline from said trailer, and we get a glimpse of the teased madness as the trailer builds to a crescendo of flashing, chaotic scenes featuring some violent action. The teaser promises that Revelations will deliver intense emotional stakes, an element that Sang-ho handled masterfully in Train to Busan.
Why Train To Busan Made Such An Impact
Train to Busan captivated audiences worldwide due to its unique blend of action, emotion, and social commentary. Unlike typical zombie films, this South Korean thriller delivers heart-pounding suspense while grounding its story in deep, human relationships. The film follows a father and daughter trapped on a speeding train during a sudden zombie outbreak, forcing them—and the other passengers—to fight for survival in a confined space. This claustrophobic setting heightens the tension, making every moment feel urgent and unpredictable.
One of the key reasons for its popularity is its emotional depth. Train to Busan isn’t just about surviving zombies; it explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and class struggle. The characters feel real, making their fates deeply impactful. The film’s pacing is relentless, keeping viewers on edge while allowing space for character development.
Additionally, the film’s stunning action sequences and practical effects set it apart from many CGI-heavy Hollywood zombie films. The fast, aggressive zombies add a fresh intensity, making the danger feel immediate and terrifying. Coupled with strong performances, especially from Gong Yoo who plays the father simply trying to keep his child safe, Train to Busan delivers an unforgettable experience that is coincidentally, also on Netflix. Its success has cemented it as one of the greatest modern horror films and a standout in the zombie genre.
Its success has cemented it as one of the greatest modern horror films and a standout in the zombie genre.
If you’ve only seen the movie that really put Sang-ho on that map, then checking out what Revelations has to offer when it arrives on Netflix on March 21 will be worth your time.
Train to Busan
- Release Date
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July 1, 2016
- Runtime
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118minutes
- Director
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Yeon Sang-ho
- Writers
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Yeon Sang-ho
- Sequel(s)
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Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula
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