Jakarta. Hong Won-Ki’s “The Cursed” is just another proof of South Korean filmmakers’ penchant for horror anthologies. But omnibus movies can be tricky. They have to make sure that each episode is not only linked by a wrap-around scenario, but also prevent the audience from getting bored -- something that “The Cursed” has failed to do.

“The Cursed” tells of different characters who have gone desperate enough to make a deal with the devil, be it for beauty or even good grades. Hong Won-Ki has linked five stories into one, all connected by a mysterious ghost market, where people can get whatever they wish for at a price. However, only the second and third stories were memorable enough. There is not much to say about the three other stories because they have left little to no impression. 

After a sluggish start, “The Cursed” tried to engage the audience by zeroing in on lookism, a phenomenon that has caused the cosmetic surgery industry in South Korea to thrive. Imagine stealing your neighbor’s package that includes “ideal” body parts, the perfect eyes and nose, just like Mrs. Potato Head. The package theft eventually leads to a bloody brawl between the thief and the rightful owner. This episode has the makings of a stand-alone movie, of course, with some major tweaks if Hong Won-Ki wishes to consider the idea. It criticizes society for being too obsessed with looks, and the idea of a mysterious package that can fix one’s appearance might tempt cinemagoers into buying a ticket.

The third story centers on a tiger mom who has become way too obsessed with getting her daughter into medical school. Things don’t turn well after her mother makes a deal at the ghost market. While her daughter’s grades skyrocket, the family’s fates, not so much. Unfortunately, the plot immediately loses all the built-up excitement once it cuts to the fourth film and never really recovers, despite having the final episode entirely shot in Vietnam.

The horror that “The Cursed” is trying to sell leans more toward the gore side. It has little to no jump scares, which have become a the go-to-strategy among American horror filmmakers. There are scenes of long-haired ghosts, a common trope in Asian movies, but they bring nothing new to the table. Despite its inconsistency, “The Cursed” is quite rich in the gory scenes that can make your stomach turn. “The Cursed” even knows how to turn a pimple-popping scene into something extremely uncomfortable.

Starring: Moon Chae-won, Yoo Jae-myung, Seo Young-hee, Won Hyun-joon, Solar, Cha Sun-woo, Bae Su-min, Seo Ji-soo, Son Juyeon.

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