Ghost Train (2025)

I. PLOT OVERVIEW

Ghost Train (2025) is a supernatural thriller that brings together the chilling allure of urban legends and the suspense of unsolved mysteries. Directed by Tak Se-woong, the film centers around Da-kyung (Joo Hyun-young), a popular YouTuber who specializes in paranormal investigations. When she stumbles upon the eerie Gwanglim Station—an abandoned subway station infamous for a series of unexplained disappearances—she sees an opportunity to unravel its sinister history. But as Da-kyung delves deeper into the secrets of the station, she discovers a dark presence that haunts the area, threatening to consume not just her sanity, but her very life.

With an atmospheric blend of psychological horror and the supernatural, the film builds tension slowly, using Da-kyung’s investigation as a framework to explore the mysteries hidden in the forgotten corners of the city. As the layers of reality and the supernatural begin to blur, Da-kyung must confront not only the terrifying presence in the station but also her own psychological limits as the station’s malevolent forces begin to take hold.

II. THEMES AND ATMOSPHERE

At its core, Ghost Train is a film about the unknown—what happens when our curiosity uncovers more than we can handle. The supernatural elements are grounded in a deeply human fear: the fear of losing control. The train station becomes a symbol of the unknown, a place where time seems to stand still, and every shadow holds the promise of something lurking just beyond the veil of perception.

The film also explores themes of grief and guilt, using the station as a metaphor for the weight of unaddressed trauma. Da-kyung’s journey into the depths of the supernatural mirrors her own internal struggle, forcing her to confront fears and regrets from her past. The relentless presence of the spirits in the station becomes more than just a threat—it’s a manifestation of her own unresolved inner turmoil.

III. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Joo Hyun-young gives a hauntingly restrained performance as Da-kyung. She starts as an eager investigator, driven by the thrill of the unknown, but gradually, her vulnerability and fear shine through as the supernatural forces take a toll on her. Her emotional transformation—from confidence to terror—serves as the backbone of the film, and Hyun-young’s portrayal anchors the supernatural horror in raw human emotion.

Supporting characters, such as Jeon Bae-soo as the mysterious station master and Choi Bo-min as a local who holds dark secrets of his own, provide crucial pieces to the puzzle, adding layers of intrigue and tension. These characters, while not as deeply explored as Da-kyung, serve as catalysts for her emotional journey, pushing her further into the unknown.

IV. CINEMATOGRAPHY AND DIRECTION

Director Tak Se-woong crafts an unnervingly quiet atmosphere, allowing tension to build organically. The cinematography uses shadows and light to create an oppressive sense of claustrophobia, especially in the scenes set within the confines of Gwanglim Station. The camera lingers on Da-kyung’s face during moments of dread, drawing the audience into her paranoia and fear.

The sound design is one of the most effective elements of the film. The eerie silence of the station is punctuated by subtle, unsettling sounds—the distant screech of a train, whispers that seem to come from the walls, and the creak of the old structure as it groans under unseen pressure. These auditory cues build suspense, keeping the audience on edge as Da-kyung unravels the station’s history.

The film’s pacing is deliberate, slow-burning in the early stages as Da-kyung investigates, but when the horror strikes, it’s sudden and overwhelming, heightening the emotional stakes. The final act, where Da-kyung faces the true horror of the station, is a relentless descent into terror, pushing the boundaries of psychological and supernatural horror.

V. FINAL VERDICT

Ghost Train (2025) is a compelling supernatural thriller that relies on atmosphere, psychological depth, and slow-burn tension rather than overt gore or jump scares. It’s a film that asks the audience to peer into the darkness—not just of a haunted station, but of the human mind. Through Da-kyung’s journey, it explores the concept of unresolved trauma, human vulnerability, and the terror of the unknown.

While the film may not reinvent the horror genre, its measured pacing, emotional depth, and creeping dread make it a standout entry in the supernatural thriller category. The film builds tension masterfully, combining mystery with horror and offering a chilling examination of what happens when the past refuses to stay buried.

Rating: 8/10
Ghost Train is a tense, atmospheric ride into the unknown. It’s not just the station that’s haunted—it’s the souls who dare to enter. For fans of psychological horror and slow-burn mysteries, this film is an eerie, unforgettable experience.