Seoul: The upcoming film "Salmokji: Whispering Water" delves into the primal fears associated with evil spirits lurking beneath murky waters. For audiences who resonate with this unsettling premise, the film promises to deliver spine-chilling moments throughout its runtime. However, those seeking logical explanations behind the haunting may find themselves wanting more by the film's conclusion. The narrative follows a filming crew led by Soo-in, portrayed by Kim Hye-yoon, who takes over a project left by her senior colleague, Kyo-sik, played by Kim Jun-han.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the story unfolds as the crew reaches Salmokji, a reservoir located deep in the remote countryside. Soo-in's unease turns into palpable dread with the sudden reappearance of Kyo-sik, who had vanished after his last visit to the location. Though unable to pinpoint the source of her fear, Soo-in suspects something is off about Kyo-sik's return. His presence triggers a series of strange occurrences, including mysterious sounds, eerie silences, and a disorienting sense of direction that traps the crew in a looping nightmare.
A technical issue forces the crew to remain at the location overnight, further immersing them in a swamp-like terror where the lines between land and water blur. Salmokji, known as a real place in Yesan County, South Chungcheong Province, is infamous among anglers and has a reputation as a paranormal hotspot due to reported ghost sightings. It gained additional notoriety after being featured on a TV program focused on supernatural phenomena.
Director Lee Sang-min, making his directorial feature debut, captures the isolation and dread of the location, with patchy roads and limited connectivity adding to the tension. The film is available in ScreenX format, enhancing the immersive experience by expanding the image onto additional walls, making audiences feel trapped alongside the characters. Kim Hye-yoon's performance as Soo-in marks a departure from her previous role in the 2024 romance fantasy series "Lovely Runner," though her character's lack of a detailed backstory limits her agency in driving the narrative.
Ultimately, the film's horror relies on its eerie setting and anticipated jump scares. "Salmokji: Whispering Water" is set to premiere on April 8.