By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4 cats
Director: Park Chan-wook
Starring: Lee Byung-hun | Lee Sung-min | Park Hee-soon | Son Ye-jin | Yeom Hye-ran
Original language title: Eojjeolsuga eobsda
Year: 2025
Running time: 139
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1527793
Cobi says: “Easily one of my favorites this year. Park Chan-wook remains arguably the most inventive director working, always finding new ways to use camera, editing, set, color, blocking, and tone.
The film looks directly at class division, corporate consolidation, globalization, AI, and the seeming inevitability of social stratification. It sets you up to expect a capable hero, then lets events unravel more humorously and unpredictably. Every character is vivid, each with their own side plot. It shares DNA with PARASITE — balancing playfulness and outrage — while feeling entirely its own. I hope Park finally gets the Hollywood recognition he deserves! 4 1/2 cats”
Michael says: “A little too long, and while necessary, the first third of the film drags a little, but when things start popping, the film really leans into the absurdity, and that’s a good choice. The screenplay is taut, great to see Chlotrudis-pal Don McKellar involved. Superficially fun, but it has depth. 4 cats”
Chris says: “An entertaining romp that wouldn’t exist without PARASITE although at least it knows it’s not PARASITE and fully commits to its goofiness. 3.75 cats”