“That’s what families are like. Like family, like strangers.”
Netflix’s The Bequeathed (2024) is a mystery drama that follows a series of ominous events and exposure of family secrets as a woman inherits a gravesite at a mountain following the sudden death of her uncle whose existence she had forgotten.
Having seen six full episodes, here are some key points and insights about the series:
Theme/Genre
I must say Netflix’s The Bequeathed (2024) is pretty solid in its genre of crime mystery and thrill that explores the roots of Korean tradition, which includes Shamanism and a gravesite showing the ancient culture of burial mounds.
Since it’s a mini-series with a total of six episodes, it’s easy to watch in one sitting except that the viewing experience is totally haunting and spooky overall with its idea that revolves around occultism, mysterious deaths, and family feud over a burial ground inheritance. The cinematography, lighting, and camera works all capture eeriness suitable to the dark and mystery theme.
The drama actually reminds me of JTBC’s Beyond Evil (2021) and SBS’s Revenant (2023) for the same chilling vibes it delivers and the way it keeps you hooked from beginning until the end as you anticipate for the unraveling of the real culprit.
Narrative/Plotline
Netflix’s The Bequeathed (2024) is set in a creepy small town that follows a married woman named Yoon Seoha (Kim Hyun-joo) who works as a ghostwriter for a professor. Amid her struggles about her husband’s infidelity and workplace maltreatment, she faces another dilemma when she suddenly inherits a burial ground following the demise of her paternal uncle whom she has never met. The police force claims she’s the only known relative alive, so she has no choice but to accept the inheritance and take responsibility.
As soon as she inherits the gravesite, a string of mysterious killings emerge and dark secrets about her family unfold. A suspicious man who seems strange in appearance and behavior also keeps following her around, professing that he’s her half-brother and seeking to claim a right to the burial ground. She begins to seek assistance from the detectives to look into the murders and the background of the mysterious relative.
Amid the investigation, they manage to discover essential elements that point them to the practice of shamanism, fake identities, murders, and a shocking gravely sinful act in the family history, kept hidden from the public for years.
The way the turn of terrifying events unfold, the direction, editing and all, are seamlessly done, enough to keep you on the edge of your seat, feeling eerie and startled all throughout. It also explores the idea of strangers hiding secrets among family members, a psychologically insane and shocking part of the drama that sent me shivers down my spine.
Characters/Performances
Yoon Seoha as a character lacks depth for me. She’s educated and intelligent, but presented weak when it comes to standing against workplace abuse and infidelity. The tension between two detectives who used to be close buddies add flavor to the show, while Kim Youngho appears to be the most intriguing and striking subject to follow.
Veteran actors Kim Hyun-joo, Park Hee-soon, and Park Byung-eun portrayed their roles seamlessly. But what caught my attention the most is Ryu Kyung-soo’s scene-stealing performance and transformation into a lunatic-like man, hovering around with his creepy presence. At first, I didn’t recognize him until I did an online search about the actor playing the role. Park Sung-hoon in his short appearance also delivered an excellent performance.
Conclusion
Although slow-burn in manner, it’s the buildup of chilling mystery and psychological horrors surrounding family feud over inheritance, twisted relationships, and commiting crimes behind the practice of Shamanism that stand out in Netflix’s The Bequeathed (2024). It may not be labeled as the best dark mystery show but it’s definitely one of those suspense dramas that’s good to watch in one sitting.
A review by Myra Bansale for KORB Blog | Instagram | Twitter
Screenwriters: Yeon Sang-ho, Min Hong-nam, Hwang Eun-young | Director: Min Hong-nam | Original network / Images: Netflix
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