Midnight (2021) is a South Korean thriller directed by Kwon Oh-seung that delivers edge-of-your-seat suspense. Set in the bustling yet eerily desolate streets of Seoul during the dead of night, the film follows a gripping game of cat and mouse between a young deaf woman and a relentless serial killer.
The protagonist, Kyung-mi (played by Jin Ki-joo), is a resourceful sign language counselor who becomes the target of the chillingly calm and psychopathic killer, Do-shik (Kim Hye-yoon). After a fateful encounter, Kyung-mi must rely on her wits and courage to navigate through a cityscape filled with dangers, unable to hear the very sounds that signify impending peril.
What sets Midnight apart is its innovative use of silence and sound. The film immerses the audience in Kyung-mi’s perspective, highlighting the unique challenges she faces while amplifying the tension. The pacing is relentless, with minimal room to breathe as the stakes escalate.
With its tightly wound narrative and strong performances, Midnight offers more than just thrills—it’s a story of survival, resilience, and the power of human determination, underscored by its exploration of societal indifference to the vulnerable. It’s a must-watch for fans of taut, high-stakes thrillers.
Midnight (2021-06-30) Review
Midnight (2021), directed by Kwon Oh-seung, is a taut South Korean thriller that masterfully plays with tension and silence. The film revolves around Kyung-mi (Jin Ki-joo), a hearing-impaired woman, who becomes the target of a chillingly psychopathic killer, Do-shik (Wi Ha-joon). What sets this film apart is its ability to intertwine the protagonist’s disability with the suspense, making her vulnerabilities and resourcefulness the heart of the narrative.
The urban setting of nighttime Seoul enhances the feeling of isolation, as Kyung-mi navigates a maze of dimly lit alleys and deserted streets, evoking a visceral sense of danger. The sound design is exceptional, using silence and muffled tones to immerse viewers in Kyung-mi’s world. Wi Ha-joon delivers a standout performance as Do-shik, exuding charm and menace in equal measure.
While Midnight succeeds in keeping viewers on edge, it sometimes leans on familiar thriller tropes, and the pacing falters in the middle. Nonetheless, the film’s innovative perspective and emotionally resonant protagonist make it a standout entry in the genre.
For fans of nail-biting thrillers with a fresh twist, Midnight is a must-watch, proving once again that South Korean cinema is a powerhouse of creative storytelling.
Midnight (2021-06-30) Trailer
Midnight (2021-06-30) Details
MOVIE_NAME: Midnight
DURATION: 103min
IMDB_RATING: 6.6
GENRE: Thriller
DIRECTOR: Oh-SeungKwon
CAST: JinKi-Joo
PRODUCTION: Peppermint
LANGUAGE: Korean
SINGER_NAME: Unavailable
BUDGET: Unknown
RELEASE_DATE: 30/06/2021
Midnight (2021-06-30) Screenshot
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