Revelations Kdrama Review: This is a 2025 South Korean mystery thriller film written and directed by Yeon Sang-ho, based on their webtoon of the same name. Starring Ryu Jun-yeol and Shin Hyun-been, the movie was released on Netflix on March 21, 2025.
Plot Summary
Sung Min-Chan (played by Ryu Jun-Yeol) is a pastor in a small town, dedicated to expanding his church. One day, a man named Yang-Rae walks in, and at first, Sung Min-Chan is happy, thinking he is a new believer. However, he is disappointed when he learns that Kwon Yang-Rae is a former convict wearing an electronic ankle monitor.
Then, Sung Min-Chan has a vision from God revealing that Yang-Rae is the one who kidnapped his son. Convinced that it is his divine duty, he decides to punish Yang-Rae for the crime.
Meanwhile, Detective Lee Yeon-Hui (played by Shin Hyun-Bin) is investigating the case of Sung Min-Chan’s missing son. She is also haunted by the memory of her younger sister, who was brutally killed in the past. Despite her emotional struggles, she pursues Yang-Rae as the prime suspect and also begins to suspect the pastor, Sung Min-Chan.
A Strong Start with a Compelling Lead
Revelations Kdrama Review: Yeon Sang-ho’s latest Netflix film, Revelations Kdrama, is a psychological crime thriller that explores the downfall of a pastor after a life-changing event and a troubled detective tracking a serial kidnapper.
The movie weaves together the lives of these two characters in a way that feels like a nod to classic Korean crime dramas. Of the two, the pastor’s storyline is far more gripping. He starts as a quiet, devoted man focused on growing his small church, but his encounter with a mysterious and menacing visitor sends him spiraling into a completely different person.
On the other hand, the detective’s arc feels generic. While not badly written, it leans too much on familiar tropes. Haunted by visions of her deceased sister—who died tragically—she struggles with guilt and becomes obsessed with a kidnapper who once held her hostage and is now free. Eventually, these storylines converge, and that’s when the film truly shines.
While Revelations Kdrama has its strengths, it also stumbles. Yeon loads the film with melodrama and an overwhelming sense of gloom from the very beginning. While the dark atmosphere is fitting, it sometimes becomes exhausting, making the story feel sluggish. A more restrained approach could have made the film more engaging. At times, I couldn’t help but wonder how directors like Na Hong-jin or Bong Joon-ho would have handled this concept.
A Disappointing Collapse in the Final Act
South Korean director Yeon Sang-ho starts Revelations Kdrama with gripping suspense, building tension over the first two-thirds of the film. The story unfolds against an eerie and unsettling backdrop, leading up to a dramatic showdown in an unfinished house—a cold, concrete setting perfect for a psychological and spiritual clash.
At the heart of the film is the pastor—charismatic, deeply complex, and unsettling. His descent into god-like delusions and moral conflict creates rich, thought-provoking themes. For a while, it seems like the film is heading toward a bold and fearless narrative.
Then, suddenly, it all unravels. Instead of further exploring the pastor’s story, the film abruptly sidelines him. As a result, the tension and emotional weight disappear. The focus shifts to a police investigation—a much more predictable and conventional plotline that lacks the gripping intensity of the earlier scenes.
This final stretch feels like a letdown, almost as if the film abandons its own premise. What started as a sharp, provocative thriller turns into something bland and unremarkable. The direction softens, choosing a safer conclusion instead of fully committing to its daring setup.
In the end, Revelations Kdrama starts strong but fizzles out when it matters most. It had the potential to be a bold and unforgettable thriller, but instead, it settles for a forgettable and underwhelming finish. A missed opportunity.
Verdict
From a technical standpoint, Revelations Kdrama is a well-crafted film with a strong atmosphere, impressive production design, and a standout one-shot confrontation that serves as the film’s most intense moment. Overall, it’s a solid addition to the genre. While it may not be mind-blowing, it’s a decent thriller that offers some thought-provoking moments and makes for an engaging watch.
Trailer
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