Incantation

Incantation

Inspired by a true story of a family who believed they were possessed by spirits, this film follows a woman who must protect her child from a curse. WARNING: This is a cursed video, it might contain certain risks to watch. For those who dares to follow, please solve the puzzle of my daughter's curse with me.

  • Released:
  • Runtime: 120 minutes
  • Genre: Horror
  • Stars: Hsuan-yen Tsai, Kao Ying-Hsuan, Sin-Ting Huang, Sean Lin, Wen Ching-Yu, Queenie Chen, Yi Peng
  • Director: Kevin Ko
 Comments
  • b4babar - 13 February 2024
    Not Scary, but Disturbing: A Film That Stays with You
    This film delivers a haunting exploration of the human psyche, leaving a lasting impression with its deeply disturbing themes. While it may not adhere strictly to the conventions of traditional horror, its unsettling nature is undeniable. The frequent shifts between past and present can occasionally disrupt the narrative flow, but they add layers of depth to the storytelling. Despite this, the film manages to embed itself into the viewer's consciousness, ensuring it won't be easily forgotten.

    While the attempt to emulate found footage style may not be flawless, it brings an authentic and immersive quality to the storytelling. The documentary format adds a layer of realism, and while some of the horror scenes may come off as cheesy, the inclusion of non-diegetic music enhances the atmosphere effectively. The portrayal of resilience and redemption amidst misery adds emotional weight to the narrative, even if it occasionally teeters on exploitation.

    On the positive side, the film excels in building tension through its eerie atmosphere and unsettling occurrences. The tension steadily escalates, keeping the audience engaged and intrigued throughout. Although the storytelling can feel scattered and convoluted at times, the use of optical illusions and mind games adds a unique and compelling dimension to the horror experience. The vibes reminiscent of Dabbe, a Turkish movie, contribute to the film's intriguing allure.

    Ultimately, this film deserves praise for its ambition and ability to evoke a sense of dread. With its mix of strengths and weaknesses, it lands solidly at a 7 out of 10 rating, making it a commendable addition to the horror genre.
  • HasankaDesigner - 21 August 2023
    "Zhou": A Standout Addition to the Pantheon of Asian Horror
    "Zhou" effortlessly takes its place alongside the ranks of Asian horror masterpieces like "Noroi," "The Wailing," and "The Medium," among others.

    Asians consistently demonstrate their prowess in crafting riveting horror films that combine exceptional storytelling with captivating cinematography. This delicate balance between mesmerizing visuals and spine-tingling terror is truly commendable.

    Utilizing the found footage style, "Zhou" further distinguishes itself within the horror genre. Kevin Ko's adept direction captures the unsettling essence of the narrative, while the entire cast skillfully conveys a range of emotions, successfully maintaining viewer engagement.

    Wholeheartedly recommended for horror enthusiasts, "Zhou" emerges as one of my personal favorites in recent years. It's a cinematic gem that leaves a lasting impression within the realm of horror filmmaking.
  • josemad-29940 - 16 February 2023
    A true horror experience that'll leave you with unease!
    Making horror nowdays (2020's) it's actually difficult. Aduencies aren't as easily scared as they used to be, so modern horror has to try very hard to find something to make people frightened.

    I think long gone are those experiences that make people scream at a cinema since everyday audiences are prepared for extreme gore and jumpscares, so filmmakers have to make their best efforts to fright people with good tension and suspense, like Ari Aster or Jordan Peele do. Yet this is one of those experiences that make you not just uncomfortable, but make you move on your seat because of the extreme tension it creates.

    As an almost everyday horror fan, I've watched and played tons of media regarding horror and films are not scary anymore to me (games are another type of experience), more than a unexpected thing or good tension, but this film made very uncomfortable and scared me. It's a film that every horror fan should watch and if you can drag people to watch it with you, they may be more scared. Definetly a winner.
  • Sankari_Suomi - 5 October 2022
    Ringu + Gokseong + Noroi = Zhou
    What would happen if director Kevin Ko mashed the scripts of Ringu, Gokseong, and Noroi together, then dropped them from a 7 storey window into a muddy puddle? Let's find out!

    It's Taiwan, and some weird ******** is happening for no apparent reason! But don't worry, because protagonist Li Ronan has been making a video diary of her experiences, so she can dump as much exposition on us as she needs to at any given moment.

    Anyway, she used to be part of a ghostbusting team until the fateful day when they visited a weird cult and ****** around with some stuff that should definitely have been left un-****** with. Two thirds of the team ended up dead, and Ronan's as-yet-unborn daughter was stricken with a terrible curse.

    The movie shifts back and forth in time, revealing fresh pieces of the past to explain the present. Ronan doggedly records her efforts to lift the curse, addressing the audience directly as she urges us to participate in the incantation ritual which is supposed to bless her daughter and restore her health. But is Ronan a reliable narrator? Are we even getting the full story? What happens next will shock you!

    I rate Zhou at 24.97 on the Haglee Scale, which works out as a respectable 7.5 on IMDB.
  • big.jay - 1 September 2022
    Nah!
    I'm a big fan of the found footage genre if it plays by the rules: Every Shot has to be accounted for and has to somehow make sense why someone is filming it. Incantation is a mess in regards to that. It switches angles without an established camera like sunglasses. And don't get me started on the question of believability. Oh my god! The director has to think nobody watching this crap is able to do that. The movie has some nice scares and gore in it but that's about it. The story is ridiculous (even for a horror flic) and the big twist in the end I did expect ten minutes into the movie.

    Avoid.