Na Hong-jin's 'Hope' Review: Monster Movie Blends Action and Satire

The New Yorker reviews Na Hong-jin's film 'Hope', a monster movie set in a South Korean border town called Hope Harbor. The film, which premiered in the main competition at the Cannes Film Festival, marks Na's first feature in a decade and his first to compete for the Palme d'Or. The plot involves an alien invasion, with the creature Va'migere (played via performance capture by Cameron Britton) attacking the town. The cast includes Hwang Jung-min as police chief Bum-seok, Hoyeon as junior cop Sung-ae, Zo In-sung as hunter Sung-ki, and Hollywood actors Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, and Taylor Russell in alien roles. The review praises Na's direction, cinematography by Hong Kyung-pyo, and production design by Lee Hwok-young, while noting the film's blend of action, comedy, and social commentary. Na's previous films, including 'The Wailing' (2016), 'The Chaser' (2009), and 'The Yellow Sea' (2011), are also mentioned. The review highlights the film's lengthy runtime (two and a half hours), its use of CGI, and its satirical take on Hollywood imperialism. Na confirmed at Cannes that a sequel is already written.