Horror fans, let me tell you — I’ve seen my fair share of found footage films. Some fizzle out in shaky cam nonsense, while others, like The Blair Witch Project and REC, redefine the genre. So when I pressed play on Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018), I expected either a predictable jump-scare fest or something genuinely bone-chilling. What I got? A nerve-wracking, paranoia-fueled nightmare that proves why South Korea continues to dominate the horror scene.
The Plot Without Spoilers: A Livestream Gone Horribly Wrong
A YouTube-style horror web show, Horror Times, sets out to explore Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital — an actual abandoned asylum in South Korea rumored to be one of the most haunted places in the world. The team, led by an ambitious but calculating host, ventures into the asylum armed with GoPros, night vision cameras, and a thirst for viral fame. But as the night unfolds, what starts as a staged stunt turns into a terrifying descent into madness. No scripts, no safety nets — just raw fear.
Director’s Vision: A Masterclass in Atmospheric Horror
Jung Bum-shik (Epitaph, 2007) isn’t new to horror, and his ability to turn Gonjiam’s dark corridors into a suffocating nightmare is masterful. He understands that true horror isn’t about excessive gore or relentless jump scares — it’s about dread. Unlike many found footage films that lose credibility with excessive screaming and irrational character choices, Gonjiam stays grounded. The improvised dialogue and naturalistic acting make the terror feel real.
The Performances: Fear That Feels Unscripted
Since the film utilizes lesser-known actors, their authenticity is undeniable. The camaraderie between the cast feels organic, which makes their eventual descent into hysteria all the more believable. Wi Ha-joon (Squid Game, Midnight) delivers a standout performance as the opportunistic leader of the group, balancing showmanship with an underlying tension that unravels as the horrors unfold. Park Ji-hyun and Oh Ah-yeon also deserve praise for delivering some of the film’s most chilling moments without ever feeling over-the-top.
Cinematography & Sound: Found Footage Done Right
Unlike the overly chaotic cinematography that plagues many found footage films, Gonjiam strikes a perfect balance. The handheld footage feels immersive yet controlled enough that we aren’t lost in motion sickness. The use of infrared and GoPro footage amplifies the realism, making every shadow, every distant sound, a source of unease. And let’s talk about the sound design — if you watch this with headphones, prepare for an auditory experience that will have you checking over your shoulder. The use of silence is as effective as the eerie whispers and sudden bursts of sound that break it.
The Real Horror: Is Gonjiam Actually Haunted?
While the film is fictional, the Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital itself is very real — and its history is just as unsettling. Urban legends surrounding the abandoned asylum claim that patients vanished, doctors mysteriously died, and the building is plagued by supernatural activity. The site is now permanently closed to the public, adding to its mystique. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the setting alone is enough to make your skin crawl.
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Horror Fans
So, is Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum just another found footage movie? Absolutely not. It’s a masterclass in atmospheric horror that relies on tension rather than cheap thrills. Jung Bum-shik crafts an experience that lingers long after the credits roll, making you question every creak in your own home. If you’re a fan of Grave Encounters or Noroi: The Curse, this is a must-watch.
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Budget: Estimated $2.2 million
Metacritic Score: N/A (widely praised by horror communities)
Pros & Cons
✔ Expert use of tension and atmosphere
✔ Believable performances and natural dialogue
✔ Effective sound design that amplifies the horror
✔ A genuinely creepy setting based on real-world lore
✘ Some predictable found footage tropes
✘ Slow build-up may not appeal to impatient viewers
Final Rating: 8.5/10 – A Found Footage Triumph!
Would you dare explore Gonjiam alone at night? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
