The Cursed: Dead Man's Prey (2021)

The Cursed: Dead Man's Prey (Korean: 방법: 재차의), released on July 28, 2021, is a supernatural thriller that expands on the universe of the popular 2020 drama The Cursed. Directed by Kim Yong-wan and written by Yeon Sang-ho, this film blends crime investigation with dark magic, offering a captivating blend of horror and suspense that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Plot Overview

The Cursed: Dead Man's Prey follows Im Jin-hee (played by Uhm Ji-won), a relentless investigative reporter who receives a mysterious call during her radio broadcast. The caller claims to be the murderer behind a strange case, demanding an on-air interview. When Jin-hee arrives at the scene of the supposed crime, she discovers the body of the suspect, who had been dead for three months. However, the corpse shows signs of having come back to life.

This eerie discovery pulls her into a complex investigation tied to dark magic and the reanimation of the dead, setting her on a path filled with peril, twists, and supernatural forces. As Jin-hee digs deeper, she uncovers a larger conspiracy involving the vengeful dead, and the mystery behind their resurrection becomes ever more sinister.

Main Characters and Cast

Uhm Ji-won as Im Jin-hee – The fearless investigative reporter who takes on the eerie case. Her determination to uncover the truth drives the film's narrative.
Jung Ji-so as Baek So-jin – A young, skilled sorcerer with the ability to predict death. She assists Jin-hee during the investigation, bringing a supernatural dimension to the story.
Oh Yoon-ah as Byun Mi-young – The CEO of Jin Jong Hyun’s company, who is implicated in the case and whose connections to the events unravel more than expected.

Jung Moon-sung as Jeong Seong-jun – A detective who aids Jin-hee in the investigation, adding a layer of police procedural to the narrative.
Kim Mi-soo as Reporter – In her final role before her untimely passing in January 2022, Kim Mi-soo portrays a key character in the investigation.

**What Sets The Cursed: Dead Man's Prey Apart?**

Unique Plot Fusion: Crime Meets Supernatural
The film’s ability to intertwine the investigation of a crime with elements of black magic and resurrection offers a refreshing twist on both the crime and horror genres. It successfully combines detective work with paranormal intrigue, keeping audiences engaged through both mental and supernatural suspense.
Strong Performances
The cast delivers exceptional performances, particularly Uhm Ji-won as Im Jin-hee. She plays the role of the determined journalist with a fierce, unwavering spirit. Jung Ji-so adds depth to her role as the mystical Baek So-jin, bringing a sense of supernatural realism to the film.
Dark Atmosphere and Tension
The film’s atmosphere is laden with dread, making full use of its eerie setting to create a tense, gripping narrative. The supernatural elements, such as the reanimated dead and dark magic, add layers of complexity to the story, making every scene feel charged with suspense.

Audience Reception and Reviews

The Cursed: Dead Man's Prey has been well-received by audiences and critics alike, particularly for its unique blend of crime thriller and supernatural horror. The film has an audience score of 60% on Rotten Tomatoes, with many viewers praising its eerie atmosphere and engaging performances. However, some found the connections to the original The Cursed series a bit unclear, especially for those unfamiliar with the show's plot. Despite this, the film stands strong as a standalone story, with a well-crafted introduction to its world.

While some viewers were disappointed with the film’s lack of deep character development in certain supporting roles, the gripping storyline and thrilling sequences make up for these shortcomings.

Conclusion

The Cursed: Dead Man's Prey is a captivating supernatural thriller that successfully merges crime investigation with dark magic and horror. With its intriguing premise, strong performances, and suspenseful atmosphere, the film is a must-watch for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a fan of supernatural thrillers or crime mysteries, this film offers something for everyone.

For those looking for a thrilling cinematic experience that combines the investigative process with eerie, supernatural forces, The Cursed: Dead Man's Prey is a film not to be missed.