Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Wailing

film

The Wailing

2016

A stranger arrives in a little village and soon after a mysterious sickness starts spreading. A policeman is drawn into the incident and is forced to solve the mystery in order to save his daughter.

Ages 18+Source checked

Why this age? Very intense adult horror includes disturbing deaths, graphic violence and gore, possession, occult imagery, terror, and emotionally bleak material. Not suitable for children or most younger teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age18+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character5/5
  • Frightening scenes5/5
  • Violence5/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character5/5
Why this rating?

Multiple important characters die violently; death and possible loss of a child are central, with intense grief and dread.

Graphic injury4/5
Why this rating?

Graphic injuries, blood, corpses, and disturbing bodily imagery appear during murders, supernatural events, and investigations.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Strong language is used periodically in moments of frustration or trauma.

Religious themes4/5
Why this rating?

Christian priestly practice, shamanism, exorcism, occult beliefs, curses, demons, and spiritual ambiguity are central.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Romance is not a meaningful part of the story.

Frightening scenes5/5
Why this rating?

Sustained folk-horror dread, possession, demons, exorcism, frightening transformations, threats to children, and disturbing uncertainty.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Minimal; some adult thematic content, but no explicit sexual activity.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional scenes of social drinking by adults.

Violence5/5
Why this rating?

Frequent, intense violence includes attacks, killings, combat, stabbing, and frightening supernatural assaults, with a grim realistic tone.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The father and others confront terrifying supernatural danger to protect loved ones, though courage is mixed with panic and poor judgment.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Highly inventive atmosphere, ambiguity, folklore, symbolism, supernatural mystery, and layered visual storytelling encourage imaginative interpretation.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Authentic representation of rural Korean culture and local demographics.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It may prompt interest in Korean folklore, shamanism, and religious themes, but education is not its intent.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Family love and concern are present, but compassion is overwhelmed by suspicion, panic, violence, and betrayal.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Explores suspicion, fear, moral uncertainty, parental protection, and the consequences of acting—or failing to act—under uncertainty.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist's devotion to his daughter is strong, but adults often make fearful, flawed, or questionable choices under pressure.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in The Wailing would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Wailing, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating