Movie Digest
The movie begins with an announcement – Korea’s Silicon Valley, Pan-Gyo has been attacked by a nuclear bomb. In accordance with the Korean government’s directive, the protagonist and his family hide in the basement of their home for two weeks. The situation follows the family’s struggle to survive in their basement during the following days. The whole movie is a metaphor for the middle-class households in South Korea facing an actual nuclear threat alongside the pandemic while their movement is limited owing to the lockdown. The movie is filled with suspense and drama which keeps you praying for the family’s survival.
The Feel-Good Part
The cast delivered a great performance. Every emotion from initial disbelief to the fear that refused to leave them was portrayed so well. The whole situation, apart from the nuclear attack, felt so relatable. It was just another middle-class family who was stuck in the rut of their daily routine. A teenage daughter who felt like her parents did not understand her, a mother that was disappointed with her moody daughter and her absent husband, and finally the father who was tired of his job. It feels so relatable that you cannot help but want to root for them.
The Disappointing Factor
The plot itself was disappointing, especially for a sci-fi film. Except for the nuclear aspect, nothing else in the film suggests a Sci-fi theme. The film felt more like a family drama as the protagonists struggled through their problems. Moreover, the pacing is very slow so it feels longer than it actually is. The movie was trying to portray an ambiguous vibe but in doing so, they made the movie feel incomplete.
In-Depth Analysis
The most refreshing elements of the movie were the characters themselves, yet there was still scope for more character development. The plot progression is slow but bearable. The way your emotions change with the characters is another unique element of this movie. There are moments when you feel as frustrated as the dad and then there are moments when you feel the fear felt by the mother and daughter. Yet, apart from looking at the plot in isolation, I have to commend how they have conveyed the underlying metaphors and themes.
Star Power
With a great lineup of actors and actresses the writers Yang Hyun Choi, Joonseong Hong, and Jieun Lee created did a great job. This movie was the first large project for the actors Seongeun Kwak, Cheolhui Lee, and Seoyeong Park but they all did an incredible job. They made their characters so convincing that there were several moments where the audience forgot that they were watching a movie!
Overall Opinion
If you are looking for a good Sci-fi movie then perhaps this one would not be your cup of tea. Yet, if you are looking for a niche movie and an alternative style of filmmaking then this is a great choice. Despite the slow plot progression, there are several parts of the movie that will capture your attention. The cinematography and acting are on point considering the limited change of cast and setting. The artistic storytelling along with the underlying messages make this movie a good watch on a slow and dull day.
