10 years is a long time, enough for fans to miss and look forward to Song Hye Kyo's return. And "Dark Nun" did not disappoint them. The film not only marked her return but also brought a completely new image, different from her previous roles.
As soon as it was released, Dark Nuns caused controversy on Korean forums, mainly revolving around the script and spiritual and religious elements in the film. Considered a female version of the hit movie The Priests released in 2015, Dark Nuns revolves around two nuns Junia and Michaela as they use all their efforts to perform an exorcism ritual to save a boy named Hee Joon (Moon Woo Jin), who is being possessed by an evil spirit.
The film not only enhances the horror element with detailed and dramatic exorcism scenes, but also deeply depicts the psychological struggles of the characters.
Dark Nuns is currently ranked number 1 at the Korean box office (According to statistics from Kobis)
Dark Nuns has officially premiered in its home country and has achieved outstanding results at the box office, taking over 40% of the market share at the theater. The movie's ticket booking rate is quite impressive, surpassing other movies released at the same time to take the Top 1 spot at the Box Office on the first day of its release in Korea. The movie is directed by Kwon Hyeok Jae, with a cast including Song Hye Kyo, Jeon Yeo Bin, Heo Jun Ho.
Horror spirituality becomes a "popular" topic
In recent years, the theme of demonic possession - exorcism has become a potential "gold mine" of Korean cinema. Not only is it popular with filmmakers, this genre has also received a warm welcome from domestic and Asian audiences. Film projects in this genre have continuously achieved box office success, affirming the irresistible appeal of horror and creepy stories.
Recent box office blockbusters include "The Hand of the Demon" (2019), "The Metamorphosis" (2019), "The Grave Digger" (2024) or "The Demon Lord" (2024). These films not only bring tense, breathtaking entertainment moments but also touch on profound aspects of human psychology, evoking thoughts about faith, sin and the battle between good and evil.
Horror movies have become a popular topic in recent years.
Following the success of its predecessors, "Dark Nuns" (original title: "Dark Nuns") officially joined the "club" of famous horror films in the land of kimchi. The film is expected to land in Vietnam at the end of February, promising to bring audiences haunting and dramatic cinematic experiences.
Directed by talented director Kwon Hyeok Jae, "The Dark Nun" has released a 70-second trailer, revealing mysterious and dramatic footage. The trailer opens with a dark, creepy scene at an ancient monastery, where two nuns Junia (Song Hye Kyo) and Michaela (Jeon Yeo Been) must face an evil force.
Despite controversial opinions about the content, no one can deny the strong appeal of this work with impressive revenue.
One day, two sisters, Giunia (Song Hye Kyo) and Michela (Jeon Yeo Bin), suddenly receive a very special mission: to monitor Hee Joon (Moon Woo Jin), a boy who has just experienced a series of terrifying spiritual phenomena. While waiting for the Catholic Church to evaluate whether this is a case of demonic possession, the two will take care of and provide spiritual support for the poor child. However, when witnessing the pain that Hee Joon is suffering and the conflict of views within the Church, Sister Giunia cannot stand idly by any longer. With the help of Michela, she decides to use a forbidden exorcism ritual to free the boy from the torment of the evil spirit.
The film revolves around a group of nuns who attempt to perform a forbidden ritual to save a boy possessed by an evil spirit.
“Dark Nuns” is expected to be a new step forward in the horror and mystery genre in Korea. Director Kwon Hyeok Jae once revealed that his “brainchild” will deeply exploit religious elements, including knowledge of Christian symbols and rituals. Moreover, the film’s trailer is not afraid to expose the dark corners and controversial aspects surrounding the issue of demon possession and exorcism.
Not only possessing an attractive script, "Dark Nuns" is also highly appreciated for its realistic images and sounds, creating a breathtaking horror atmosphere.
The film uses dark lighting, close-up shots and creepy sounds to increase the scare effect, making the audience's hair stand on end.
The return after 10 years of absence of the "national beauty" of Kim Chi land
The film is considered a spectacular performance by a talented cast. ISPlus newspaper did not hesitate to praise the performances of the two main actresses, Jeon Yeo-been and Song Hye-kyo, in the exorcism scenes. "The tense atmosphere of the exorcism scene combined by Jeon Yeo-been and Song Hye-kyo really makes the audience suffocate every second," the newspaper commented. Indeed, the exorcism scenes in the film were elaborately and meticulously staged, combined with the realistic acting of the two actresses to create a tense, suffocating atmosphere, making the audience unable to take their eyes off the screen.
Explosive beauty, youthful appearance at the age of over 40 when taking on a role without much makeup, leaving a strong impression on viewers.
Ten Asia also praised Song Hye Kyo: "Song Hye-kyo's determined gaze and strong energy quickly immersed the audience in the screen." Song Hye Kyo's return after 10 years of absence did not disappoint her fans. She perfectly transformed into the role of Sister Junia, a nun with a complex inner life, torn between faith and doubts. Song Hye Kyo's determined gaze, delicate expressions and strong energy completely conquered the hearts of the audience, making them unable to take their eyes off the screen.
In addition, Song Hye Kyo's dedicated acting also made the audience relatively satisfied.
The success of Dark Nuns also confirms that Song Hye Kyo is not only the queen of Korean dramas but also a notable name in the film industry. Her character is not only a nun but also a person full of inner conflicts. She is a woman with a tough appearance, not afraid to use hurtful words, breaking her familiar image on screen. Behind that tough appearance is a sympathetic heart, knowing how to love and determined to save the soul of a boy possessed by a demon.
Although her acting is not as explosive as in the blockbuster The Glory, this is still a commendable point of the work as well as of the female lead herself.
Song Hye Kyo's facial expressions create a unique feature for her character. Song Hye Kyo herself also admitted that she put a lot of effort into the character, living with the character throughout the filming.
In addition to her individual acting, Song Hye Kyo also showed great chemistry with actress Jeon Yeo Been (as Sister Mikaela). The relationship between the two characters is built on opposition. Mikaela is a psychiatrist who listens to scientific information while Sister Yunia is an instinctive person who acts according to her heart.
Dark Nuns is another adventurous film by Song Hye Kyo after The Glory. The 8X generation star does not care about the character's costumes or appearance, she focuses on the complex and thorny inner development.
