Revelations (Full Movie 2025)
Revelations (2025): A Provocative but Flawed South Korean Thriller
Revelations (2025), directed by Yeon Sang-ho and released on Netflix on March 21, 2025, is a South Korean psychological thriller that dives into the murky waters of faith, morality, and trauma. Adapted from Yeon and Choi Gyu-seok’s webtoon, the film, produced by Alfonso Cuarón, stars Ryu Jun-yeol as Pastor Sung Min-chan and Shin Hyun-been as Detective Lee Yeon-hui. While its ambitious exploration of religious fanaticism and human fragility offers moments of brilliance, its messy narrative and uneven pacing prevent it from reaching the heights of Yeon’s Train to Busan. Here’s a closer look at this thought-provoking but imperfect film.
Plot Summary
Revelations intertwines the stories of Pastor Sung Min-chan, a devout clergyman grappling with his wife’s infidelity, and Detective Lee Yeon-hui, a grieving officer haunted by visions of her murdered sister. Their paths converge when Min-chan, believing he’s received divine revelations, targets Kwon Yang-rae (Shin Min-jae), an ex-convict suspected in a missing child case. Min-chan’s faith-driven mission to punish Yang-rae clashes with Yeon-hui’s pursuit of justice, leading to a tense cat-and-mouse game. The film explores apophenia—the tendency to see divine or meaningful patterns in random events—questioning whether the characters’ actions stem from faith, delusion, or personal trauma.
Strengths of the Film
Powerful Performances
Ryu Jun-yeol delivers a chilling performance as Min-chan, capturing his descent from compassionate pastor to self-righteous vigilante with haunting intensity. Shin Hyun-been matches him as Yeon-hui, her grief and determination palpable in every scene. Their emotional depth, especially in a gripping one-take confrontation, elevates the film’s stakes, making their moral dilemmas resonate. Shin Min-jae’s unsettling portrayal of Yang-rae adds complexity to the narrative’s exploration of evil.
Thought-Provoking Themes
Revelations tackles heavy questions about faith, guilt, and the human tendency to justify actions through divine or supernatural means. Yeon’s focus on apophenia and pareidolia—seeing Jesus in a rock face or messages in clouds—creates a compelling lens for examining religious obsession. The film’s refusal to label actions as purely good or evil invites viewers to ponder whether Min-chan and Yeon-hui are driven by free will or unseen forces, making it a standout for fans of philosophical thrillers.
Visual and Technical Highlights
Yeon’s visual precision shines in moments like a thunderstorm illuminating a cross-shaped rock, symbolizing Min-chan’s warped faith. A standout one-take sequence in a derelict building is a masterclass in tension, blending gritty action with emotional weight. The cinematography, with its shadowy Seoul backdrop and neon-lit church, creates a foreboding atmosphere that complements the film’s dark tone.
Weaknesses and Criticisms
Overly Complex Narrative
The film’s ambition to weave multiple subplots—Min-chan’s marital strife, Yeon-hui’s trauma, and Yang-rae’s troubled past—results in a convoluted and overstuffed story. Critics have called it “messy” and “lacking narrative momentum,” as it shifts between perspectives and timelines without cohesion. The 122-minute runtime feels bloated, with a slow first act and a final reveal that’s more absurd than satisfying.
Pacing and Plot Holes
Revelations struggles with uneven pacing, dragging in its early setup and rushing through its climax. Plot holes, such as implausible coincidences and characters’ questionable decisions—like Yeon-hui investigating a crime scene alone—frustrate viewers. The film’s reliance on convenient events to push the story forward undermines its credibility, making it feel less polished than Yeon’s earlier works.
Missed Opportunities
While the film raises intriguing questions about faith and morality, it doesn’t fully explore them, often resorting to expository dialogue or heavy-handed symbolism. The subplot involving Min-chan’s wife’s affair feels disconnected, and the absence of the missing child as a tangible character weakens the emotional stakes. Critics argue that directors like Bong Joon-ho might have handled the story with more restraint and nuance.
Reception and Impact
Revelations has polarized audiences and critics, earning a 68% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes (19 reviews) and a 63% Popcornmeter rating. Some praise its performances and philosophical depth, with FandomWire calling it “one of the most striking films of the year.” Others, like Roger Ebert’s Robert Daniels, found it “ponderous” and emotionally cold, rating it 1.5/4. On X, fans appreciate its suspense and Korean-style twists, though some call it slow and plot-hole-ridden. With 6.0/10 on IMDb, it’s a divisive entry in Yeon’s filmography, unlikely to match Train to Busan’s legacy.
Should You Watch It?
Revelations (2025) is a bold, visually striking thriller that grapples with faith, trauma, and morality but stumbles with its messy narrative and pacing issues. Fans of Yeon Sang-ho or psychological dramas will find value in its strong performances and thought-provoking themes, especially if they enjoy morally ambiguous stories. However, those seeking a tightly plotted thriller may find its flaws distracting. Stream it on Netflix for its haunting moments and Ryu Jun-yeol’s standout role, but temper expectations for a flawless experience.