The Wailing (2016) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

The Wailing2016

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

The Wailing is about as non-woke as they come by today’s standards. It honors cultural roots, focuses purely on storytelling, and completely sidesteps modern ideological box-checking. A breath of fresh air.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

The Wailing is a masterclass in letting the story and characters drive the narrative. It doesn't shoehorn in identity politics or prioritize representation over building suspense and mystery. Instead, it focuses on genuine horror, folklore, and psychological tension, letting the world unfold organically.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Not Woke

What is this?

There is a deep respect for Korean folklore, rural life, and religious traditions throughout the film. Family, spirituality, and moral ambiguity are explored with nuance, not deconstruction. Rather than mocking or undermining cultural foundations, it leans into them.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

The film is refreshingly free of modern ideological messaging. Viewers get authentic characters wrestling with good and evil, not caricatures or lectures. It’s a rare example these days of a film with actual pluralism and ambiguity.

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.