Yeon Sang-ho's "Revelations" explores belief and redemption themes

Korean director Yeon Sang-ho has released a new Netflix film titled "Revelations," backed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón. Known for his successful works like "Train to Busan" and the series "Hellbound," Yeon has shifted to a more intimate psychological horror story this time. "Revelations" focuses on a pastor, Sung Min-chan, who believes he must kill someone connected to a missing person's case. Also featured is a detective, Lee Yeon-hui, who sees visions of her deceased sister. The movie was filmed on location and uses natural light to create a gritty atmosphere. Cuarón became interested in Yeon's work after the success of "Train to Busan." Their collaboration started after Yeon received a call from Cuarón's production team expressing interest in making a film together. Yeon appreciated Cuarón’s respect for his creative vision, allowing him the freedom to explore different themes. The project was co-written by Yeon and his collaborator, Choi Gyu-seok, who has previously adapted Yeon’s stories into webtoons. Their creative process involves brainstorming ideas, with Yeon creating the script and Choi adapting it for other mediums. Yeon wanted "Revelations" to convey complex themes about human belief and redemption. He believes redemption is found in questioning oneself rather than seeking clear answers. The film includes deep character contrasts, with the pastor and detective having opposite views on the same antagonist. The movie aims to keep viewers guessing about the characters' motivations and the overall story. Yeon has used natural cinematography, avoiding excessive CGI to create a more realistic feel. He purposely left certain scenes ambiguous to encourage the audience to question their own beliefs and interpretations. Yeon often looks to Cuarón's filmmaking techniques for inspiration. He admires Cuarón’s ability to create long takes, which influenced a significant scene in "Revelations." The director aimed to evoke a sense of realism, making viewers feel as if they are part of the story along with the characters.