The only other film I've seen by Korean director Chan-woo Park is his highly regarded 'Oldboy'. A very creepy film with a wonderful twist. For his first English language film he chose this script by actor Wentworth Miller. Wentworth has taken a very Shakespearian story and made it into a thriller. I would love to know how much of Wentworth's script became part of the final film. Chan-woo is a very distinctive director with a certain style and he definitely makes this film his own. On the surface it is a typical story of an uncle who moves in with his brothers family after his brother dies. But of coarse things are not as they seem. Chan-woo has created an incredibly tense atmosphere where you are never too sure what a characters true motives or character is. It is like everyone is hiding some big secret. His use of imagery is amazing and makes the film all that much more creepy. You are constantly on edge. This is largely due to Charlie, the uncle. We know that he is hiding a secret but not sure what it is.
Mia Wasikowska is fast becoming one of the best actresses working today. She is simply stunning in this film as she plays India with a nicely stoic yet slightly menacing. Her character goes through a big transformation in the film and Mia makes that transformation convincingly. Matthew Goode, though just exudes menace in his performance. Just a simple stare can make you feel on edge as you watch his character manipulate his sister-in-law and niece. Nicole Kidman takes a smaller role here but is still excellent as the grieving, lonely widow. Jackie Weaver and Dermot Mulroney also have effective cameo roles.
The story is pretty much as old as time but it feels new when told by Chan-woo Park. For those who like their films on the creepy side.
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