The Priests 2015

Horror

Thriller

Drama

Mystery

Box Office

$37M

Runtime

103 mins

Language

Korean

Directed by

Jang Jae-hyun

Made by

Zip Cinema

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The Priests Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Priests (2015). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

A young girl named Young-shin from Father Kim’s parish falls into a coma after a hit-and-run caused by two priests. Believing she is possessed by an evil spirit, Father Kim teams up with the rebellious young seminarian Choi to stage an exorcism, hoping to confine the demon in a piglet and save the girl. The case draws in a Rosicrucian sect, whose members inform Father Kim that two of their priests were killed by this same demon, elevating the stakes and lending a sense of historical dread to the struggle.

During the exorcism, the demon reveals its presence through unnatural bodily rashes and other unsettling signs. Choi initially bolts halfway through the ritual, but he later returns with renewed resolve, determined to see the rite through. Father Kim speaks of faith and perseverance, telling him that this ministry is not in vain and that the reward lies in the Lord’s hand (Isaiah 49:4). In response, Choi quotes Ezekiel 2:6 and proclaims that he is ready now to face whatever comes. As the confrontation deepens, it becomes clear that the demon they face is an ancient Malphas, far more dangerous than they had anticipated. Yet they succeed in confining it within the piglet, and for a moment there is a fragile sense of triumph.

The relief is short-lived, as police arrive to arrest them for the alleged killing of Young-shin, prompted by a complaint from her traumatized parents. Choi escapes with the pig, tackling a series of obstacles, and, following Kim’s direction (Luke 8:33), he ultimately drowns it in the river. In the aftermath, Young-shin, who had been thought dead, begins to show signs of life, and the rashes that plagued Father Kim and Choi disappear, leaving a quiet, albeit uneasy, closure to the ordeal.

The Priests Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The Priests (2015) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Girl from parish falls into coma after hit-and-run

A young girl belonging to Father Kim's parish falls into a coma after a hit-and-run accident allegedly involving two priests. The incident unsettles the community and prompts Father Kim to suspect something beyond a simple injury.

Father Kim's parish

Kim suspects demonic possession

Following the coma, Father Kim begins to suspect that an evil spirit possesses the girl rather than a random injury. He resolves to pursue a spiritual remedy, preparing for a possible exorcism.

Parish

Exorcism attempt begins

Father Kim teams up with Choi, a rebellious seminarian, to perform an exorcism aimed at expelling the demon from the girl. The ritual centers on faith, scripture, and their growing resolve.

Exorcism site

Demon manifests with rashes

During the exorcism, the demon makes its presence felt, causing the girl's body to break out in unnatural rashes. The manifestation confirms the presence of a powerful evil and raises the stakes of the rite.

Exorcism site

Choi flees, then returns

Choi falters and runs out halfway through the attempt, overwhelmed by the demon's force. He eventually returns, resolved to finish the battle and protect the girl.

Exorcism site

Isaiah and Ezekiel exchange

In a moment of faith, Father Kim tells Choi that the ministry isn't in vain and that the reward is in the Lord's hand (Isaiah 49:4). Choi replies by quoting Ezekiel 2:6 and declaring his renewed commitment.

Exorcism site

Demon revealed as Malphas

They realize they are confronting an ancient demon named Malphas, far more dangerous than expected. The danger escalates as the demon resists their attempts to free the girl.

Exorcism site

Demon confined in a piglet

They manage to confine the demon within a piglet, believing the ritual has, for the moment, contained the threat. The girl remains in danger but seems temporarily restrained.

Pig enclosure

Police at the scene demand arrests

Police arrive and attempt to arrest Father Kim and Choi for allegedly killing Young-shin, following a complaint by her traumatized parents. The confrontation strains the exorcists' standing and tests the community's fear.

Exorcism site

Choi escapes with the piglet to the river

Choi escapes with the piglet, navigating several obstacles along the way. He finally drowns the pig in the river, following Kim's instruction to sever the demon's hold.

Along the river

Young-shin awakens as the rashes fade

With the pig killed, the demon's hold weakens and Young-shin shows signs of life. The earlier rashes vanish from both Father Kim and Choi.

River/Recovery

Aftermath and lingering impact

The event ends with the girl's revival and the apparent end of the immediate threat, though the ordeal leaves a lasting impact on Kim, Choi, and the community. The exorcism drama highlights faith, danger, and the limits of human control against ancient evil.

Community

The Priests Characters

Explore all characters from The Priests (2015). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Father Kim (Kim Yun-seok)

A devoted priest who initiates the exorcism after suspecting possession. He champions faith-driven action, even when it attracts scrutiny from authorities. His steady resolve and concern for Young-shin drive the mission forward.

✝️ Compassionate 📖 Bible-centered 🗝️ Resolute

Choi (Seminarian)

A rebellious young seminarian who joins the exorcism out of duty and growing conviction. He initially hesitates but returns to face the demon, testing his faith and loyalty. His arc traces a shift from doubt to determined faith.

🧭 Reluctant but brave 🚶‍♂️ Resilient 🔎 Curious

Young-shin (Park So-dam)

The young girl from Father Kim's parish who falls into a coma after the hit-and-run. She becomes a focal point of the exorcism, representing innocence threatened by supernatural forces. Her condition catalyzes the priests' quest and the investigation.

💔 Vulnerable 🕊️ Central 🎗️ Innocence at stake

Investigator Park (Nam Moon-chul)

A determined investigator shadowing the exorcism, balancing skepticism with curiosity about supernatural claims. He probes the incident's truth behind the coma and other mysterious events. His presence adds pressure on the clergy’s actions.

🕵️ Detective 🧭 Skeptical 🔎 Inquisitive

Shaman Young-joo (Jeong Ha-dam)

A shaman figure who exchanges information with Father Kim, underscoring cross-cultural belief in spirits. Her involvement reveals the broader spiritual landscape surrounding the demon. She helps underscore the idea that evil may transcend one tradition.

🪄 Shaman 🔥 Supernatural 🌗 Cultural tension

Franciscan Monk 2 (Master Priest Leo Martin)

A senior Franciscan monk who represents monastic authority in the exorcism circle. He embodies ritual seriousness and the church's long-standing tradition. His presence grounds the scene in a structured religious order.

🕍 Monastic 📜 Ritualist 🧭 Loyal

The Priests Settings

Learn where and when The Priests (2015) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

Present day

The events take place in modern times, with police, doctors, and priests operating in the same world. Technology and traditional beliefs intersect as authorities pursue the truth behind the coma and the supernatural events. The narrative reflects contemporary concerns about faith, science, and moral responsibility.

Location

South Korea

The story unfolds in contemporary South Korea, centered on a Catholic parish and the surrounding town. The setting blends urban and small-town environments where the parish acts as a central community hub. Faith, rumor, and tragedy play out among ordinary citizens and clergy alike.

🌍 South Korea 🕍 Catholic parish 🗺 Modern-day setting

The Priests Themes

Discover the main themes in The Priests (2015). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

✝️

Faith vs Doubt

The film tests the priests' faith against fear and uncertainty. Scripture, prayer, and ritual are portrayed as potent forces, yet doubt and danger constantly threaten their efforts. The narrative examines how belief must be actively chosen under extreme pressure.

🕯️

Ritual Power

Exorcism rites, confinement attempts, and religious ceremonies drive the plot, presenting ritual as both a source of strength and potential danger. The story questions whether ritual alone can control an ancient demon. It highlights the tension between tradition and the unpredictable nature of evil.

🔎

Law and Mercy

The clergy's actions collide with law enforcement, who question whether killing in the name of salvation can be justified. The film probes the balance between mercy, accountability, and the consequences of faith-based procedures. It ultimately asks whether salvation can justify the costs.

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The Priests Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of The Priests (2015). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

In a quiet parish tucked away from the bustling streets, the ordinary rhythms of prayer and community are suddenly pierced by an inexplicable disturbance. When a young girl from the congregation finds herself in grave peril, the sanctuary’s calm gives way to a frantic search for answers that lie beyond the visible world. The film’s atmosphere blends the solemnity of ritual with a creeping sense of unease, letting the shadows of faith and fear press tightly against the walls of the church.

Father Kim is a seasoned priest whose devotion is matched only by his willingness to confront the unknown. Guided by a deep sense of responsibility, he becomes the reluctant captain of a desperate mission that forces him to question the limits of his own belief. Alongside him is Choi, a rebellious seminarian whose restless spirit and sharp intellect clash with the traditions he was taught to uphold. Their partnership crackles with tension, as the seasoned cleric’s measured calm meets the younger man’s impulsive drive, creating a dynamic that propels the narrative forward.

Together they step into a realm where ancient rites intersect with modern desperation, navigating a maze of hidden symbols and whispered legends that hint at forces lurking just beyond the veil of the everyday. The tone remains taut and reverent, balancing moments of quiet introspection with pulses of urgent suspense. As the mystery deepens, the film invites viewers to linger on the thin line between salvation and loss, leaving the audience to wonder what lies hidden in the silence of a church that has always been—until now—watching over its flock.