Rising star Minha Kim has garnered significant attention following her breakout performance in AppleTV+’s acclaimed series, *Pachinko*. In her latest portrayal, she steps into the lead role of *A Girl with Closed Eyes*, directed by Chun Sun-young. This film presents a complex narrative involving murder, misplaced identities, and the struggle for justice. Although Kim shines within a multifaceted character, it’s the film’s integration of genre influences and the narrative construction that generates mixed feelings, ultimately raising questions about its coherence and pacing.
A Gripping Setup with High Stakes
Set against the picturesque yet eerie backdrop of Hongcheon’s mountainous terrain, the film opens dramatically with Min-ju (played by Kim) discovered with a smoking gun beside the lifeless body of Jeong Sang-woo (Lee Ki-woo), a celebrated author. The immediate setup for tension is compelling. Kim’s character claims the author’s guilt for a decades-old kidnapping, positioning herself as both a suspect and the victim. The intertwining of personal history and crime creates an atmosphere ripe for exploration of themes like trauma and betrayal.
The introduction of Park Min-ju (Choi Hee-seo), a dedicated detective clawing her way through a male-dominated police department, adds another layer to this intricate narrative. Their estrangement becomes a focal point that complicates the unfolding drama, as it invites intrigue while simultaneously infusing personal stakes into the professional investigation.
*Girl with Closed Eyes* unmistakably wears its cinematic influences on its sleeve. From references to Bong Joon-ho’s *Memories of Murder* to echoing the moral complexities and cat-and-mouse dynamics often found in Stephen King’s narratives, Chun’s movie is an aggregation of rich storytelling traditions. The filmmaker seems to draw inspiration from multiple genres, weaving in elements of crime thrillers akin to *The Usual Suspects* while blurring the lines of reality and fiction as seen in *Misery*.
While borrowing from established works can provide a sturdy foundation, it raises the critical imbalance of originality and uniqueness. Does referencing classics enhance authenticity, or does it depict a lack of imagination? Ultimately, the tension stems not merely from narrative suspense but also a quest for innovation amid familiar tropes.
Despite its evocative opening, *A Girl with Closed Eyes* struggles to maintain momentum as it progresses. In the second half, the film’s tightly wound mystery begins to unravel under the weight of excessive red herrings, to the point where the intricacies that initially captivated the audience devolve into convoluted plot twists that lack logical grounding. The film’s attempts at creativity lead to a frustrating experience, as the narrative seems to abandon its core promise of a gripping thriller in favor of sensationalism.
As the plot thickens with misplaced revelations, viewers may find the twists to be more far-fetched than profound, detracting from the performances that otherwise elevate the film. In their struggle to navigate this maze of confusion, both Kim and Choi deliver performances that warrant praise, with Kim oscillating effortlessly between vulnerability and menace.
Despite its narrative shortcomings, *A Girl with Closed Eyes* is not devoid of merit. Chun’s directorial vision yields a visually stunning tapestry. The cinematography frames tension-laden scenes that resonate with the quiet menace of their surroundings, showcasing a directed tension that is executed skillfully. The set pieces stand out, often elevating scenes that would otherwise fall flat under the burden of their convoluted storytelling.
Kim’s portrayal as In-seon transcends the traditional boundaries of her character, as she captures a multifaceted persona grappling with the dichotomy of victimhood and criminality. Her evolution throughout the film reflects the broader struggles embedded in trauma and identity, implemented meticulously by Chun.
While *A Girl with Closed Eyes* houses an impressive aesthetic and notable performances, it falters as it approaches the finish line. The promising narrative gets lost in an avalanche of twists that ultimately detracts from its initial intrigue. Though the film serves as a platform for emerging talent like Minha Kim and provides an engaging exploration of critical themes, it highlights the necessity of coherence and originality in storytelling, making it a plausible yet frustrating cinematic experience overall.
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