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Ten years is a long time, enough for fans to feel nostalgic and eagerly anticipate Song Hye Kyo's return. And "The Dark Nun" did not disappoint. The drama not only marked her comeback but also presented a completely new and different image compared to her previous roles.
Upon its release, Dark Nuns sparked mixed reactions on Korean online forums, primarily concerning the script and the film's spiritual and religious elements. Considered a female version of the hit 2015 film The Priests, Dark Nuns centers around two nuns, Junia and Michaela, as they attempt an exorcism to save a young boy, Hee Joon (Moon Woo Jin), who is possessed by an evil spirit.
The film not only emphasizes the horror element with detailed and dramatic exorcism scenes, but also deeply portrays the psychological struggles of the characters.
Dark Nuns is currently number one at the Korean box office (according to statistics from Kobis).
Dark Nuns officially premiered in its home country and achieved outstanding box office success, capturing over 40% of the market share. The film's ticket sales were impressive, far surpassing other films released at the same time to claim the top spot at the box office on its opening day in South Korea. The film was directed by Kwon Hyeok Jae and stars Song Hye Kyo, Jeon Yeo Bin, and Heo Jun Ho.
Supernatural horror has become a popular theme.
In recent years, the theme of demonic possession and exorcism has become a promising "gold mine" for Korean cinema. Not only is it favored by filmmakers, but this genre has also received enthusiastic reception from audiences both domestically and across Asia. Film projects in this genre consistently achieve box office success, confirming the irresistible appeal of horror and suspense stories.
Recent box office hits include "The Hand of the Dead" (2019), "Transform" (2019), "The Dead Man's Tomb" (2024), and "Mr. Devil" (2024). These films not only provide suspenseful and thrilling entertainment but also touch upon profound aspects of human psychology, prompting reflection on faith, sin, and the battle between good and evil.
Psychic horror films have become a popular genre in recent years.
Following the success of its predecessors, "Dark Nuns" officially joins the ranks of South Korean horror films. The film is scheduled to arrive in Vietnam at the end of February, promising audiences a haunting and thrilling cinematic experience.
Directed by the talented Kwon Hyeok Jae, "The Dark Nun" has released a 70-second trailer, revealing mysterious and dramatic scenes. The trailer opens with a gloomy and eerie scene at an ancient convent, where two nuns, Junia (Song Hye Kyo) and Michaela (Jeon Yeo Been), must confront an evil force.
Despite facing controversy regarding its content, no one can deny the film's strong appeal and impressive box office revenue.
One day, Sister Giunia (Song Hye Kyo) and Sister Michela (Jeon Yeo Bin) unexpectedly receive a very special assignment: to supervise Hee Joon (Moon Woo Jin), a boy who has just experienced a series of terrifying paranormal phenomena. While waiting for the Christian Church to assess whether this is a case of demonic possession, the two sisters will care for and provide emotional support to the poor child. However, witnessing Hee Joon's suffering and the internal conflicts within the Church, Sister Giunia can no longer stand idly by. 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 attempting 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 South Korea. Director Kwon Hyeok Jae revealed that his “brainchild” will deeply explore religious elements, including knowledge of Christian symbols and rituals. Furthermore, the film's trailer doesn't shy away from exposing the dark and controversial aspects surrounding demonic possession and exorcism.
Besides its compelling storyline, "Dark Nuns" is also highly praised for its realistic visuals and sound, creating a breathtaking horror atmosphere.
The film uses gloomy lighting, close-up shots, and eerie sound effects to enhance the scare effect, leaving viewers with goosebumps.
The comeback after a 10-year hiatus of the "national treasure of beauty" from South Korea.
The film is considered a visually stunning performance by a cast of talented artists. ISPlus praised the performances of the two lead actresses, Jeon Yeo-been and Song Hye-kyo, in the exorcism scenes. "The tense atmosphere of the exorcism scene, a collaboration between Jeon Yeo-been and Song Hye-kyo, truly left viewers breathless," the newspaper commented. Indeed, the meticulously staged exorcism scenes, combined with the realistic acting of the two actresses, created a tense, breathtaking atmosphere that kept viewers glued to the screen.
Her stunning beauty and youthful appearance in her 40s, despite playing a role that required minimal makeup and styling, left a strong impression on viewers.
Ten Asia also showered Song Hye Kyo with praise: "Song Hye-kyo's unwavering gaze and powerful energy quickly captivated viewers." Song Hye Kyo's return after a 10-year hiatus did not disappoint her fans. She perfectly embodied the role of Sister Junia, a nun with a complex inner life, torn between faith and doubt. Her resolute gaze, subtle expressions, and powerful energy completely won over the hearts of viewers, keeping them glued to the screen.
In addition, Song Hye Kyo's immersive acting also left the audience relatively satisfied.
The success of Dark Nuns also confirms that Song Hye Kyo is not only the queen of Korean television dramas but also a name to watch in the film industry. Her character is not just a nun, but also a woman full of inner conflicts. She is a woman with a tough exterior, unafraid to use hurtful words, breaking away from her familiar on-screen personas. Hidden behind that tough exterior is a compassionate heart, capable of love and determined to save the soul of the boy possessed by a demon.
Although her performance wasn't as explosive as in the blockbuster The Glory, this is still a commendable aspect of the film as well as of the lead actress herself.
Song Hye Kyo's facial expressions give her character a unique charm. Song Hye Kyo herself admitted that she poured a lot of heart and soul into the character, living with her throughout the filming process.
Beyond her individual acting, Song Hye Kyo also demonstrated excellent chemistry with actress Jeon Yeo Been (playing the nun Mikaela). The relationship between the two characters is built on contrast. Mikaela is a psychiatrist who listens to scientific information, while Sister Yunia is an instinctive person who acts according to her heart.
Dark Nuns continues Song Hye Kyo's adventurous spirit after The Glory. The star of the 80s generation doesn't worry about the costumes or appearance of the character; instead, she focuses on the complex and edgy inner turmoil.
