Seoul: Na Hong-jin, the acclaimed director known for his work on the sci-fi thriller "Hope," revealed his creative motivations on Tuesday, discussing how the vastness of space serves as a metaphor for small tragedies that can escalate uncontrollably. The film, set in a pre-smartphone era, likely during the 1970s or 80s, follows local cops and villagers confronting mysterious entities in a secluded seaside town near the Demilitarized Zone.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Na Hong-jin explained that the film illustrates how minor acts of tragedy and violence can evolve into catastrophic situations. "A person who provides the seed for the tragedy commits a very trivial act in a very small town, and this movie follows how big this can become," Na shared during a group interview. He emphasized that these events may not be motivated by malice, highlighting the unintended consequences of seemingly insignificant actions.
The film, which boasts a star-studded cast including Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon, along with Hollywood stars Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, was invited to compete at the Cannes Film Festival this year. Na chose the fictional harbor town of Hopo as the setting to underscore the theme of isolation. "Isolation carries an important meaning in the story," Na stated, describing the narrative as a speck that gradually expands beyond containment, ultimately becoming a tale of universal significance.
Na, who previously explored supernatural themes in his 2016 horror film "The Wailing," sought to deepen his examination of otherworldly forces by incorporating extraterrestrial elements into "Hope." He said, "In 'The Wailing,' I used supernatural phenomena to build the story. I started wondering how I could deepen such a perspective ... and that made me think I wanted to reach toward a greater being, naturally leading me to the setting of space."
While "Hope" delves into themes of belief and resurrection, Na chose not to define the concept of hope, allowing audiences to project their interpretations. His primary objective was to offer a thrilling cinematic experience. "I wanted to maximize that thrill by creating the sounds and the visuals so that the audiences at the theater feel they are in the story," Na explained. He is currently finalizing the editing process, with the film set to release next week.