Revelations Review: Netflix's latest South Korean Thriller

Pastor Sung Min-chan, played by Ryu Jun-yeol

Revelations is the latest thriller to land on Netflix. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, known for the hit Train to Busan, this film dives into the unsettling themes of faith and obsession. Released on 21 May 2025, it grabs your attention from the first frame, inviting you to explore the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of everyday life.

The story revolves around Pastor Sung Min-chan, played by Ryu Jun-yeol, and Detective Lee Yeon-hui, portrayed by Shin Hyun-been. Together, they are entagled in a mystery behind a missing girl, leading them to Kwon Yang-rae, an ex-con played by Shin Min-jae. Each character brings their complex past to the investigation, which significantly influences their decisions and responses to the unfolding events.

Trauma is central to the plot. For instance, Pastor Min-chan's faith is constantly being tested, as he confronts moral dilemmas and the difficulties of growing his faith within Korea. Meanwhile, Detective Yeon-hui grapples with a personal losses that impacts her judgment.

The film’s examination of faith and obsession doesn't just question what drives people toward redemption but also highlights the darker paths some choose. One example is Kwon Yang-rae’s struggle to escape the ties of his past, and the external factors that shaped him to become the person he is. According to a survey conducted by a film review site, 75% of audience members felt that the film effectively challenged their views on morality.

The performances in Revelations elevate the narrative significantly. Ryu Jun-yeol delivers a powerful portrayal of Pastor Sung Min-chan who's ligthened path takes darker and darker turns. His facial expressions and ability to portray a pastor who is both struggeling personally and professionally, whislt being thrusted into the world of crriminality, was enjoyable to witness. I did wonder if his character development might have benefited more from being in a limited series rather than a 2 hour film, as the jump from god fearing pastor to ******* (No spoilers on this website) wasnt as seamless or gradual as I would've liked.

Shin Min-jae as Kwon Yang-rae adds another layer of complexity. His character, burdened by a criminal past, initially creates an engaging contrast with Min-chan's quest for faith, but as the film progress we see that contrast slowly being eroded, with similarities blossoming and their roles reversing in a horrific twist of fate. One scene that stands out is when Yang-rae confronts Sung Min-chan. Overall, the cast’s performances enhances the film's emotional depth and keeps the audience engaged.

Another captivating scene is the confession in the car between the Pastor and his wife, which perfectly showcases the director's skill in crafting high-tension moments, even between a married couple in the confined space of their vehicle.

The direction by Yeon Sang-ho shines prominently in Revelations. He masterfully builds suspense and psychological tension. With his experience from films like Train to Busan and Peninsula, he knows how to mix thrilling narratives with social commentary.

In collaboration with writer Choi Gyu-seok, Yeon adapts a 2022 comic, which enriches the storyline with psychological depth. Their creative partnership results in a film that challenges viewers not just to watch, but to think about its implications on personal beliefs and societal norms.

Upon release, Revelations garnered generally positive reviews, reflecting its strong impact on viewers and critics alike. The film's ability to create a suspenseful atmosphere has been widely praised. Reviewers highlighted that Ryu Jun-yeol’s and Shin Min-jae’s performances are emotionally charged, significantly enhancing the viewing experience.

However, some critiques pointed out that the film's latter half veered into more conventional territory, contrasting with its earlier innovative storytelling. Despite this, the film remains a strong choice for thriller lovers, achieving an impressive 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

At this point in cinematic/streaming histroy, Netflix has firmly cemented its hold on the South Korean thriller genre, consistently delivery good quality films within the genre. Revelation is the latest product of that hold, as it offfers a profound exploration of trauma, faith, and the thin line between light and darkness. It features strong performances from Ryu Jun-yeol, Shin Hyun-been, and Shin Min-jae, all directed with skill by Yeon Sang-ho. Despite it's predicabtle and conseratvie approach, it still manages to be entertaining and will definitly scratch that itch after watching films such as Memories, I Saw the Devil and similar greats from Korea's extensive catalogue of thrillers.

"Revelations" is now streaming on Netflix worldwide.