Incantation - The Taiwanese Movie Based on a True Story
History & Culture

Incantation – The Taiwanese Movie Based on a True Story

Experience the spine-chilling tale that captivated audiences worldwide with “Incantation,” the Taiwanese movie that delves into the depths of a haunting true story. Inspired by a shocking incident that shook Taiwan to its core in 2005, this film takes viewers on a journey through the darkest corners of superstition and psychological unraveling.

The Story Unveiled

“Incantation” is centered around a Taiwanese family gripped by a terrifying belief: each member is possessed by a different folk deity, while one is believed to be inhabited by a demon. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are drawn into a world where reality blurs with superstition, leading to tragic consequences.

Real Events Behind the Screen

The movie’s premise is not merely fictional; it is rooted in a disturbing reality. The events begins innocuously in 2005 in a modest home in Gushan District, Kaohsiung, where the Wu family resides. What initially appears to be a harmonious household takes a sinister turn when one of the daughters claims to be possessed by a deity. This declaration sets off a chain reaction of increasingly bizarre behavior among the family members.

Driven by their fervent belief in possession and the supernatural, each member of the Wu family adopts the persona of a different deity. From the father proclaiming himself as the Jade Emperor to the mother identifying as the Queen Mother, the family descends into a collective psychosis, blurring the lines between reality and superstition.

As the family’s delusions intensify, so does the chaos within their home. Violent outbursts, self-harm, and bizarre rituals become commonplace as the family attempts to ward off perceived evil spirits. They burn each other with incense, hit each other with sticks and spirit tablets, and even resort to splashing feces and urine in an attempt to expel the demons.

Amidst the madness, tragedy strikes when the eldest daughter, singled out by her family, falls victim to their delusions. Subjected to relentless attacks until her untimely death, her fate exposes the horrifying extent of her family’s collective psychosis and superstition.

The Aftermath

Following the eldest daughter’s death, the remaining family members are confronted with the grim reality of their actions. Charged with the offense of “abandoning a helpless person resulting in the person’s death,” they face legal repercussions for their descent into madness. The case is later deemed a chilling example of mass hysteria, highlighting the dangers of unchecked superstition and belief.

Beyond the Screen

“Incantation” not only offers a gripping cinematic experience but also prompts viewers to ponder the thin line between reality and delusion. While the events depicted may seem fantastical, they serve as a stark reminder of the power of belief and the dangers of unchecked superstition.


As audiences immerse themselves in the chilling narrative of “Incantation,” they are reminded that truth can indeed be stranger than fiction. This Taiwanese masterpiece stands as a testament to the enduring allure of true stories, even when they delve into the darkest recesses of the human psyche.

Experience the terror for yourself as you journey into the heart of “Incantation,” a movie that will leave you questioning the boundaries between faith and folly, reality and illusion.

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