Is Incantation Based on a True Story? Ending Explained
by A Maria | Updated Jun 01, 2023
Incantation Movie
Incantation is a popular Taiwanese found footage supernatural horror movie directed by Kevin Ko, who co-wrote the screenplay alongside Chang Che-wei. The film premiered in Taiwan on 18th March 2022, and soon became the highest-grossing Taiwanese horror film. Its success extended internationally when it was picked up for distribution by Netflix on July 8, 2022. Before entering production, Incantation was featured at the Network of Asian Fantastic Films (NAFF) project market during the 2019 Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, where it garnered attention and support.
Following its release, the film gained further recognition, including a screening at the Far East Film Festival. As of June 2022, Incantation has grossed NT$170,000,000 (US$5,700,000) at the box office, solidifying its position as the highest-grossing Taiwanese film of 2022 and the highest-grossing Taiwanese horror film of all time.
Is Incantation Based on a True Story?
Incantation draws loose inspiration from an allegedly true story that unfolded in Taiwan in the year 2005, although exact details regarding the incident have not been disclosed by the filmmakers. The movie also incorporates elements from classic Asian horror films and contemporary internet culture. During the film's promotional campaign, it garnered significant attention by highlighting its basis on a true story. However, comprehensive information about the actual incident remains scarce online.
According to an anonymous post, the incident that supposedly influenced Incantation took place in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Allegedly, a family of six believed they were possessed by a deity, resulting in erratic behavior, self-harm, and other bizarre acts, ultimately leading to the death of a family member. The post claims that the family refrained from eating for several days, engaged in violent altercations using crutches and sacred cards, burned their skin with lit incense, and even resorted to degrading acts such as splashing and consuming feces.
Reportedly, the eldest daughter passed away with severe injuries, but the family believed that it was not their daughter who died but a demon who had possessed her. The cause of death was reportedly determined by a forensic doctor as multiple organ failure, and due to the suspicious nature of the bruises on the deceased's body, the case attracted police attention and eventually became an intriguing urban legend.
Incantation Ending Explained
In the enigmatic conclusion of Incantation, the film took an intriguing turn that left viewers with lingering questions. The opening unsettling sequence, where Li Ronan directly addressed the audience and prompted them to recite a peculiar chant while displaying a mysterious symbol, initially seemed perplexing. However, as the story unfolded and reached its climactic moments, the pieces started to fall into place. Throughout the film, the focus was on Li Ronan's relentless pursuit to save her daughter, Dodo, from a curse that had inadvertently been unleashed by her and her two friends during their investigation of a cult.
The trio's ill-fated adventure and the awakening of the curse remained veiled until the final quarter of the movie. As they summoned the wrath of the ancient curse, the once peaceful cave transformed into a nightmarish house of horrors. Walls sprouted menacing hands, objects crumbled ominously, and the entire cave seemed to come alive, exacting vengeance upon the intruders who had disturbed its tranquility. Through a series of perplexing puzzles, Li Ronan discovered that the key to breaking the curse lay in lost video footage, revealing that they had been cursed for glimpsing the countenance of a deity residing within the cave.
Drawing a connection to a Yunnan text, Li Ronan surmised that the curse could be diluted if more people fell under its malevolent influence. To achieve this, she devised a plan: she created a video, deceiving her viewers into reciting the chant and inadvertently witnessing the deity's face, in the hopes that the curse would spread and become increasingly diluted. However, her self-sacrificing actions within the cave ultimately led to her own demise.
In the final moments of Incantation, it became evident that Dodo had emerged unscathed, despite the tragic loss of her mother and foster father. The closing scene served as confirmation that Li Ronan's audacious plan had succeeded, validating her theories about the curse. Another footage depicted Dodo in a state of recovery from her critical condition, affirming that the curse had lost its grip. As the credits rolled, viewers were left with a sense of fascination and speculation.
The enigmatic ending of Incantation hinted at the enduring power of curses and the intricate web of supernatural forces, leaving us to ponder the consequences of Li Ronan's desperate gambit and the lasting impact of her actions on those who encountered the haunting curse.
Incantation Cast
Tsai Hsuan-yen
Li Ronan
Huang Sin-ting
Dodo
Kao Ying-hsuan
Ming
Sean Lin
Dom
RQ (Wen Ching-yu)
Yuan
CAST
CHARACTER
Incantation Plot
Get ready for a spine-tingling ride with "Incantation," a found footage horror film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Meet Li Ronan, our courageous narrator, as she embarks on a quest to save her daughter, Dodo, from a sinister curse. But this isn't your ordinary horror flick—it's an immersive experience that will make you a part of the story. The film begins with Li Ronan urging you, the viewer, to memorize a mysterious insignia and chant an incantation. These recurring symbols and chants play a significant role throughout the film, encouraging you to join in the prayers and rituals.
Brace yourself for a non-linear narrative presented as found footage, delivering a sense of realism that will make your heart race. Flashback to six years earlier when Li Ronan, her boyfriend Dom, and Dom's cousin Yuan ventured into a remote clan village. Their mission? To document a ritual for their online video channel. Little did they know, they were about to cross a religious taboo that would have far-reaching consequences. The clan, practicing an esoteric Yunnan religion, requested their names and the incantation to be submitted to the revered Mother Buddha. Ronan was shocked to discover that she was unknowingly pregnant at the time.
As the night unfolded, the trio witnessed a disturbing ritual involving a young girl seemingly offered as a sacrifice. Curiosity got the better of them, and they trespassed into a forbidden tunnel, despite the clan's warnings. The events that followed were nothing short of terrifying. Yuan emerged from the tunnel in a state of hysteria, while Dom's lifeless body was carried out by the villagers. The footage captured within the tunnel became irreparably damaged, leaving the truth shrouded in mystery. Ronan, traumatized by the ordeal, placed Dodo in foster care and sought help for her own mental well-being.
Fast forward to the present, and Ronan has finally regained her strength and decided to reunite with her daughter. But their peaceful existence is short-lived as unexplained phenomena plague their home. Dodo's health deteriorates, and a sinister presence looms in the shadows. In a desperate bid to save her daughter, Ronan seeks assistance from a brave priest and his wife, who agree to perform an exorcism. They impose a strict seven-day fast on Dodo, but when her condition worsens and mysterious runes appear on her body, Ronan breaks the rules to feed her. Tragically, the priest and his wife meet a gruesome end, and Ronan rushes Dodo to the hospital.
Meanwhile, Ming, the sympathetic manager of the foster care home, journeys to Yunnan to uncover more about the esoteric religion. As he unearths the restored footage from the ill-fated tunnel, his mental state deteriorates rapidly. Overwhelmed by what he has witnessed, Ming decides against sending the footage to Ronan but eventually succumbs to possession, sending copies of the horrifying footage before tragically taking his own life on camera.
The footage reveals the shocking truth. Dom and Yuan had reached the altar of the malevolent Mother-Buddha, its face concealed beneath a veil. When Dom attempted to unveil it, he became possessed and met a grisly demise. Yuan, too, fell victim to the unseen forces that lurked in the village. Ronan discloses that she has been deceiving the viewer all along. The incantation, instead of bestowing blessings, is a means to dilute the curse. By spreading the chant to more people, the burden of the curse is shared, making it more bearable for everyone involved. The covered face of the Mother Buddha represents the source of the curse.
Incantation Review
Prepare to be mesmerized by the spine-chilling found footage horror film, "Incantation," as it takes you on a terrifying journey that will leave you questioning reality. Directed by Kevin Ko, this Netflix gem goes beyond the ordinary to deliver an unsettling experience that will keep you at the edge of your seat. One of the defining features of found footage horror films is their ability to blur the line between fiction and reality, and "Incantation" does it masterfully. The film's immersive atmosphere, coupled with the exceptional performances of the cast, brings an authentic and believable quality to the story.
Tsai Hsuan-yen's portrayal of Li Ronan is both haunting and gripping, as she delves into the depths of despair to protect her daughter, played by the talented Huang Sin-ting. The plot revolves around Ronan's desperate attempts to shield her daughter from a malevolent curse that was inadvertently unleashed during a forbidden exploration. The consequences of their actions spiral into a series of nightmarish events, captured through various recordings—camcorders, cell phones, and security tapes. These found footage sequences inject a sense of realism that intensifies the horror, immersing you in a world of dread and uncertainty.
What sets "Incantation" apart from other horror films is its ability to build suspense and fear without relying solely on jump scares or gory visuals. Instead, it masterfully crafts an eerie atmosphere, where every frame drips with tension and anticipation. The film's relentless pacing keeps you on the edge, eagerly anticipating what horrors will unfold next. It's a testament to the skillful direction of Kevin Ko and the meticulous attention to detail in crafting a truly unsettling experience.
While the movie delves into the supernatural, it also delves into the depths of human emotions and the lengths a parent will go to protect their child. It explores themes of sacrifice, guilt, and the unrelenting power of ancient curses. As the story unfolds, you find yourself emotionally invested in the characters' struggle, rooting for their survival while dreading the inevitable horrors that await them.
"Incantation" is not for the faint of heart. It grips you from the opening scene and refuses to let go until the shocking finale. The film's ability to immerse you in its disturbing reality, combined with its thought-provoking themes, sets it apart as a must-watch for horror enthusiasts. If you're ready to embark on a nightmarish journey into the depths of the supernatural, "Incantation" will captivate your senses and leave you with a lingering sense of unease. Don't miss out on this haunting masterpiece that showcases the true potential of found footage horror.
About Incantation Film
Directed by
Kevin Ko
Screenplay by
Chang Che-wei
Kevin Ko
Cinematography
Chen Ko-chin
Release date
March 18, 2022
Running time
111 minutes
Country
Taiwan
Languages
Mandarin
Taiwanese Hokkien
SPECIFICATIONS
DETAILS
Is Incantation Based On A True Story - FAQs
"Incantation" was directed by Kevin Ko, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Chang Che-wei.
The movie premiered in Taiwan on March 18, 2022.
Yes, after its success in Taiwan, "Incantation" was picked up for distribution by Netflix on July 8, 2022, allowing a wider audience to experience the film.
"Incantation" is a supernatural horror film, employing the found footage technique to create a chilling and immersive experience for viewers.
"Incantation" quickly became the highest-grossing Taiwanese horror film to date, indicating its popularity and success among audiences.