▲ A scene from "Hidden Face" is shown in this image provided by NEW. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

By Woo Jae-yeon

 

   SEOUL, Nov. 14 (Yonhap) -- Set to Schubert's compositions, the upcoming Korean thriller "Hidden Face" features a series of lyrical, beautifully composed scenes midway through the film, building a sense of nervous anticipation that hints at the tension and drama that lie ahead.

 

   The film opens with orchestra conductor Seong-jin (Song Seung-heon) watching a video message from his charming yet capricious fiancee and cellist Soo-yeon (Cho Yeo-jeong), who has the means to follow her every whim. In the video, she tells him she's leaving because she feels she is "not worthy" of marrying him.

 

   In response to the sudden message, Seong-jin appears neither sad nor concerned, but rather agitated -- almost as if signaling to the audience that she's pulling yet another stunt.

 

▲ A poster for "Hidden Face" is shown in this image provided by NEW. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

   In the days following her disappearance, Seong-jin's orchestra -- owned by Soo-yeon's mother -- hires a temporary replacement, Mi-joo (Park Ji-hyeon). Seong-jin, who rose from a modest background to be with Soo-yeon, finds himself instantly drawn to the confident and alluring Mi-joo, who is refreshingly candid about her humble origins and shares his taste in music.

 

   Unsurprisingly, Seong-jin and Mi-joo cross the line, beginning an affair in the very home where he once promised a future with Soo-yeon. Meanwhile, Soo-yeon somehow ends up trapped in a hidden room within the house, being forced to secretly witness the shocking betrayal. 

▲ Seong-jin, portrayed by Song Seung-heon, is shown in this still from "Hidden Face," provided by NEW. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

   The film is a Korean adaptation of the 2011 Spanish-Colombian movie of the same name, incorporating distinctive elements that set it apart from the original. Director Kim Dae-woo, known for his erotic drama films "The Servant" (2010) and "Obsessed" (2014), once again brings his unique perspective and color on forbidden love and hidden human desires to the screen. 

 

   While the film excels in crafting melancholic moments, its narrative twist and ending might not quite live up to the atmospheric tension it builds.

 

   Among others, the film struggles with a lack of depth in the characters' emotions and connections, preventing it from resonating deeply with viewers. The final twist, meant to shock the audience, lands with less impact than intended due to weak character bonds. Throughout the film, the thrills and suspense feel more consecutive than escalating.

 

▲ Mi-joo, portrayed by Park Ji-hyeon, is shown in this still from "Hidden Face," provided by NEW. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

   But its refreshing premise, strong performances from the three lead actors, and the beautiful mise-en-scene and soundtrack are compelling enough to attract some viewers to the cinema. 

 

   For actress Cho, best known for her role in Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite," the film marks her third collaboration with director Kim, following "The Servant" and "Obsessed." An interesting tidbit is that Song's character also betrays Cho's character in "Obsessed." 

   "Hidden Face," rated unsuitable for viewers under 19 due to explicit sex scenes, is set for release next Wednesday.

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