In Park Syeyoung’s debut feature, “The Fifth Thoracic Vertebra,” an eerie creature emerges from mold on an old mattress. This monster eats the vertebrae of anyone it touches. While the premise sounds like a typical horror story, the film goes deeper, exploring themes that resonate beyond the shock value.
In his follow-up, “The Fin,” Park dives into even more profound territory. Set in a speculative post-unification Korea, the film tells the story of a divided society. It highlights the struggle between brainwashed citizens and a marginalized group they’re taught to hate—the Omegas. Due to environmental wreckage, some Koreans have mutated into beings reminiscent of merfolk. Despite their fish-like features, Omegas look quite similar to regular humans. Yet, they face severe discrimination.
Omegas must hide their fins or modify their bodies to fit in. If caught, they can be exiled or even killed. Society is fed false narratives about the Omegas. People fear the mere sound of their voices, believing them to be toxic. But is there truth to these claims? Park keeps the audience guessing.
As the story unfolds, we meet Mia, an Omega who has assimilated into the colony. She keeps her identity hidden while grappling with her heritage. On the other hand, we have Sujin, a government recruit questioning the anti-Omega propaganda she’s been raised to believe.
This film is not just about monsters; it’s about the monsters we create. Recent research shows that fear can easily spread through misinformation. In many countries today, social media drives baseless fears about minorities, similar to how the citizens in “The Fin” view the Omegas. Fear breeds hate, and the film skillfully illustrates this cycle.
“The Fin” is not a fast-paced dystopia with constant violence. Instead, it’s a slow-burn drama. Park’s cinematography captures intimate moments through the lens of distance, drawing viewers into moments of quiet tension. The aesthetic is haunting, evoking a sense of decay and loss.
Interestingly, some elements in the film mirror our modern world where technology affects our environment. There is a scene with propaganda videos that feel eerily familiar. The imagery is unsettling, suggesting that even the tools we use can contribute to ecological harm. This irony speaks volumes, especially in a time when discussions around sustainable practices are at the forefront.
As viewers, we find ourselves rooting for characters like Mia and Sujin, hoping they can break free from a society built on lies. With its emotional depth and compelling storytelling, “The Fin” stands as a cautionary tale. It encourages us to reflect on how we view others and the narratives we choose to believe.
In a world where fear often dictates our actions, this film is a powerful reminder to look deeper, challenge perceptions, and empathize with those who are different. “The Fin” premiered at the 2025 Locarno Film Festival and awaits its release in the U.S., where it’s sure to spark conversations about fear, identity, and community.
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