Seven Cemeteries (2024), directed by acclaimed Vietnamese filmmaker Lê Văn Kiệt, is a visually poetic and emotionally gripping supernatural drama that blends mystery, folklore, and human vulnerability into a uniquely powerful cinematic experience. Both meditative and unsettling, the film invites viewers to reflect on the ghosts of the past—both literal and metaphorical—while navigating a chilling yet soulful atmosphere.
The story follows Hùng (played by Song Luân), a weary ex-convict who is released after decades behind bars and seeks to fulfill a final promise: to bury the remains of his deceased fellow inmates in the seven forgotten cemeteries scattered across remote Vietnamese landscapes. Haunted by guilt and pursued by unknown forces, Hùng embarks on a solitary journey through misty forests, war-torn villages, and desolate graveyards.
As he unearths secrets buried in both the earth and his own past, Hùng encounters mysterious figures, including a grieving widow, a ghostly child, and a former soldier—all of whom reveal that the line between the living and the dead is far thinner than it seems.
Song Luân delivers a career-defining performance as Hùng. With minimal dialogue, he conveys deep remorse, loneliness, and determination through quiet, powerful expressions. The supporting cast—especially Ngô Thanh Vân as a spiritual medium and Lê Huỳnh as an aging gravedigger—add emotional texture and cultural authenticity to the narrative.
The acting is subtle yet emotionally raw, emphasizing internal conflict over melodrama.
Visually, Seven Cemeteries is stunning. The cinematography captures the eerie beauty of rural Vietnam, from rain-soaked rice fields to fog-covered hills. Every frame feels painterly, rich with symbolism and emotion.
The sound design is equally atmospheric. The whispers of wind, distant chants, and the quiet rustle of leaves create a soundscape that immerses viewers in a world where time feels suspended. Composer Christopher Wong's haunting score enhances the film's sense of spiritual weight without overpowering its quiet moments.
At its heart, Seven Cemeteries is about redemption, memory, and the weight of the past. The film explores Vietnamese spiritual beliefs about the afterlife, karma, and ancestral duty, weaving them into a narrative that feels both intimate and universal.
The tone is contemplative rather than horrific, though there are moments of psychological tension and supernatural unease. It’s less about jump scares and more about the slow realization that every soul—living or dead—has unfinished business.
Seven Cemeteries (2024) is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant film that stands out in the genre of supernatural cinema. It avoids clichés in favor of quiet storytelling, rooted in Vietnamese tradition and existential reflection. Lê Văn Kiệt has created a masterpiece that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
