Due to the pandemic, a lot of movies that were supposed to be released way back March were either delayed, while some weren't even released in cinemas but resorted to premiere in NetFlix, especially the film "Time To Hunt," which was released worldwide on April 23, 2020.
On June 4, the thriller movie "Intruder" will be released in local cinemas, and is also one that was affected due to COVID-19. Since early March, "Intruder" will be the first Korean to make its box-office debut.
On May 27, after a press screening, Director Sohn Won Pyung said that she felt nervous and burdened, but she hopes that "Intruder" becomes an ideal example for other films to follow.
"Intruder" centers its story on a husband who just lost his wife due to a car accident, and his sister, who went missing for twenty-five years, suddenly reappeared at his home. Seo Jin (Kim Mu Yeol) will play as the husband, who is suffering emotionally due to the recent loss and could not gather himself together. Then, he noticed a big change in their home since his long-lost sister finally came back.
While Yu Jin (Song Ji Hyo) is somewhat a stranger to the family, she manages to get along well with her parents and, at the same time, with her niece. She gets along so well with the rest of the family, and she is now taking charge of them.
"Intruder' is based on the novel "Almond," which is written by Sohn. She began writing the novel eight years ago.
According to Sohn, the story went through several alterations. The story was based on the thoughts she had during her pregnancy and wrote the novel after she gave birth. She even wondered if she would be able to accept her child as a family, she strangely added.
Sohn continued that the idea of family nowadays is being accepted positively in our society. However, the family also carries the deepest secret and often times the darkest of them. So, she thought that perhaps, the universal idea about family might be imaginary, and she desired to ask the question through a thriller.
This will be Sohn's featured debut movie. Not only that, but she also authored two novels entitled "The Counterattack at Thirty" and "April Snow." She earned a bachelor's degree in social studies and philosophy at Sogang University, and film directing at the Korean Academy of Film Arts. Sohn is a film director, screenwriter, and novelist.
The screening of the film was delayed two times because of the pandemic and was initially designated to open in March. This will be a great risk the production had to go through.
During the press conference, actor Kim Mu Yeol said that it was pleasing to be on-stage, seeing the audience seated with empty seats between them.
"We create movies to share stories with the viewers, and although we are distanced from one another physically, we wish that our story will help people bond together," he added.
After two years of not being on the big screen, Song Ji Hyo said, "While safety is of the greatest importance, we wish this will become an opportunity for the audience to go to the movie theaters to enjoy cultural activities and to revivify the movie industry."
The cast and crew have high hopes that the public will support the film amidst the pandemic.
WATCH THE "INTRUDER" TRAILER BELOW:
