South Korean director Na Hong-jin’s latest film, Hope, is a lengthy science fiction thriller that combines intense action with elements of horror, set in a small coastal town. Running over two and a half hours, the film opens with a rapid escalation of chaos as Beom-seok, a local police officer portrayed by Hwang Jung-min, navigates the rubble-strewn streets of Hope Harbour. The townspeople face an unknown force causing unprecedented destruction, with objects such as bicycles and trucks being thrown through the air.

For nearly an hour, the film builds tension without fully revealing the source of the devastation, focusing instead on the rising panic and confusion among the residents. When the creature is finally unveiled, its CGI rendering has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing the visual effects as underwhelming compared to the earlier suspenseful buildup.

Hope shares thematic and narrative similarities with Na Hong-jin’s previous work, particularly The Wailing. Both films examine insular, close-knit communities confronted by unexplainable threats, highlighting the fear, violence, and paranoia that often emerge in such circumstances. The characters’ responses frequently underscore human vulnerability and irrationality in the face of the unknown.

While the film’s extended runtime at times results in a sprawling and occasionally unfocused narrative, Hope’s blend of frenetic action and atmospheric tension delivers a compelling and intense cinematic experience. The portrayal of the community’s struggle against a mysterious and overwhelming menace positions the film within South Korea’s burgeoning genre of socially conscious horror and science fiction.