10 Horror Movie Transformations Nobody Saw Coming

For much of The Wailing's two-and-a-half-hour runtime, the audience is as clueless as the main characters. Following a bumbling policeman trying to solve the mysterious murders sweeping his small town - which are seemingly caused by a virus or infection that is sending the population insane - the blame is placed on a Japanese drifter who's recently taken up residence in the woods.

The police's hunch is all but confirmed when they visit his house, as photographs from the murder scenes are hidden in one of his rooms. Later they're informed that he's a ghostly demon and not human at all, which checks out considering the circumstances.

However, even with all of this information in mind, you're still surprised when the true extent of his evil is revealed.

At the very end, the drifter reveals his true form, taunting a priest in the process. Under rags, he asks if the priest thinks he's a devil, before unveiling his new horned, demented visage. It's teased perfectly in quick cuts and closeups before you get the full, shocking look at the demon's true nature.