Parasite

Kim Ki-Taek, played by Song Kang-Ho, is an unemployed driver struggling to make ends meet with his family, which includes his wife Choong-Sook, portrayed by Jang Hye-Jin, son Ki-Woo, played by Choi Woo-Sik, and daughter Ki-Jeong, represented by Park So-Dam. They live in a cramped semi-basement apartment, relying on meager jobs, such as folding pizza boxes, to survive.

The family’s fortunes take a surprising turn when Ki-Woo’s friend Min-Hyuk, played by Park Seo-Joon, visits them before leaving to study abroad, gifting them a sizeable rock said to bring wealth. Encouraged by Min-Hyuk’s suggestion, Ki-Woo takes up a job as an English tutor for the wealthy Park family’s youngest daughter, Da-Hye, portrayed by Jung Ji-So. There, Ki-Woo impresses Mrs. Park, played by Cho Yeo-Jeong, during an interview, despite all his qualifications being forged by his sister, Ki-Jeong.

When Ki-Woo learns that Mrs. Park is searching for an art teacher for her son, Da-Song, he quickly recommends Ki-Jeong under the alias “Jessica.” They further infiltrate the Park family’s lives by having the current driver fired through Ki-Jeong’s cunning plan. Shortly after, they manage to get housekeeper Moon-Kwang, played by Lee Jung-Eun, dismissed under dubious circumstances, effectively positioning the entire Kim family in the employ of the Parks.

As the Kims settle into this new life, Ki-Woo begins to develop feelings for Da-Hye, leading to a steamy kiss between the two. However, the facade of their newfound security shatters during an unexpected incident when the Parks decide to cut their camping trip short due to heavy rain, forcing the Kims to hide the chaos in their lives.

During a raucous party that the Kims throw while the Parks are away, tensions escalate when Moon-Kwang arrives seeking something from the basement, unleashing a series of events that culminates in shocking violence. The hidden presence of Moon-Kwang’s husband, Geun-Sae, adds further complication to the Kims’ charade, leading to tragic outcomes that ripple through both families.

After a series of life-threatening revelations and emotional confrontations, the once happy facade of the Kims leads to their unraveling as the violence culminates in a shocking climax. Each member of the family is faced with dire consequences, with Ki-Woo reflecting on the aftermath: his sister Ki-Jeong succumbs to her injuries, and he himself endures a traumatic brain surgery, imagining a reunion with his father, Ki-Taek, whom he believes has survived.

In a gut-wrenching conclusion, Ki-Woo resolves that he will one day reclaim the luxurious life they lost, promising to save his father from the grasp of their tragic reality. As he gazes at the Park’s mansion, he catches sight of a flickering light conveying a Morse code message — a silent testament to the lingering hope of reunion amidst their chaotic lives. The film ends with a poignant reminder of the disparities between social classes and the lengths to which individuals will go to seek a better life, all while functioning within the unpredictable world they inhabit.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 20:06