Emerging talent Minha Kim makes a striking transition from her acclaimed performance in AppleTV+’s “Pachinko” to the lead role in “A Girl with Closed Eyes,” directed by Chun Sun-young. This debut feature film, which premiered at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival, positions Kim as a young woman embroiled in a murder mystery that transitions into a gripping crime thriller. Nevertheless, while the film boasts remarkable performances and skilled direction, it stumbles under the weight of implausible storylines that detract from its promise.
Set against the serene backdrop of Hongcheon, South Korea, the narrative kicks off dramatically as Min-ju (played by Kim) stands over the lifeless body of renowned author Jeong Sang-woo (Lee Ki-woo), her fingers gripping a weapon. This arresting opening presents a shocking tableau that invites viewers into the ensuing mystery. Min-ju, who later reveals herself to be Lee In-seon—an alleged victim of a 20-year-old kidnapping—claims that Jeong was the mastermind behind her abduction, blending personal trauma with present-day violence. This layered premise sets the stage for a gripping psychological exploration.
The tension escalates further when Min-ju’s estranged friend, Park Min-ju (Choi Hee-seo), a determined police officer in Seoul, returns to her hometown to decode the situation. The film emphasizes the complexities of their friendship intertwined with unsettling secrets, ultimately forcing the audience to question their morals and allegiances.
“A Girl with Closed Eyes” openly acknowledges its cinematic influences, which range from the socially nuanced films of Bong Joon-ho to the psychological thrillers reminiscent of Stephen King. The film intertwines elements from “Memories of Murder,” which portrays the dichotomy between sophisticated urban policing and the limitations of rural law enforcement. Similarly, “Confession of Murder,” where an author writes about his own criminal exploits, resonates with themes of justice and the consequences of fame.
These influences, while enriching, can also lead to predictability. The film’s nods to classics such as “Misery” and “The Secret Garden” evoke familiar tropes but risk overshadowing its unique essence. Furthermore, the interrogation scenes bear a resemblance to renowned Hollywood thrillers like “The Silence of the Lambs” and “The Usual Suspects,” evoking tense exchanges that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
While the film starts with a compelling build-up, the later developments invite skepticism. In the second act, a deluge of red herrings and implausible twists gradually erodes the initial intrigue. What begins as a meticulous unraveling of personal and societal trauma soon devolves into narrative chaos, diminishing the film’s tension and coherence. The audience, drawn in by complex character studies, is left grappling with a disjointed storyline that lacks the logical underpinnings needed for a satisfying conclusion.
This decline in narrative integrity is disappointing, particularly given the well-crafted set pieces and potential for deeper character exploration set in the first half of the film. It raises questions about the balance between ambition and execution in storytelling: is it possible for a film to be too ambitious, leading to an overextension that unravels the carefully constructed threads of its plot?
Performance Highlights
Despite its narrative deficiencies, “A Girl with Closed Eyes” is peppered with strong performances that elevate the material. Minha Kim balances the duality of her character, oscillating between a sympathetic victim and a potentially dubious culprit, demonstrating her substantial range. Her nuanced portrayal effectively keeps the audience invested, contributing depth and complexity to what could easily have been a one-dimensional role.
Choi Hee-seo, too, delivers a commendable performance as the detective caught in the crosshairs of personal and ethical dilemmas. The chemistry between the two leads enriches the film, grounding the more extravagant narrative developments with their palpable tension and unresolved history.
In sum, “A Girl with Closed Eyes” is an ambitious endeavor that showcases both the strengths and vulnerabilities of its creators. While it offers a tantalizing premise and stellar performances, the film ultimately falters under the strain of implausible plotting and overreliance on genre tropes. As audiences witness the capabilities of emerging stars like Minha Kim, it becomes evident that the interplay between creativity and narrative coherence is crucial in crafting a truly memorable cinematic experience. The film stands as both a celebration of talent and a cautionary tale about the delicate balance of storytelling in the world of cinema.
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