Nocturnal (2025) is a South Korean neo-noir crime thriller written and directed by Kim Jin-hwang. Blending mystery, drama, and suspense, the film explores the blurred lines between fiction and reality.
Plot Overview
Min-tae (Ha Jung-woo) is consumed by anger and grief after his brother, Seok-tae, dies and his sister-in-law, Moon-young (Yoo Da-in), goes missing. While searching for answers, Min-tae notices uncanny similarities between these events and a bestselling novel by Ho-ryeong (Kim Nam-gil). He plunges deeper into a treacherous web that involves criminal syndicates, the police, and hidden truths surrounding the night his brother died.
Why It Stands Out
- Neo-Noir Atmosphere: Dark, stylish visuals heighten the film’s tense and mysterious tone.
- Complex Narrative: The merging of fiction and reality layers intrigue and keeps viewers guessing.
- Strong Performances: Ha Jung-woo and Kim Nam-gil offer riveting portrayals of characters driven by loss and obsession.
Reception
Nocturnal premiered in South Korea on January 22, 2025, debuting at the top of the box office. Although critics had mixed reactions, many praised the film’s ambitious storytelling and atmospheric cinematography.
