Decoding the Dark Side of Secondhand Deals: A Review of the Korean Thriller “Target”
The South Korean film “Target” delves into the sinister world of online secondhand marketplaces, where a seemingly innocent transaction spirals into a terrifying game of cat and mouse. While some might categorize it as a horror film, “Target” leans more towards a dark thriller, exploring themes of vulnerability, privacy, and the hidden dangers lurking in the digital age.
A Glimpse into the Plot
In today’s hyper-connected world, online secondhand platforms have become increasingly popular. People buy and sell used goods, hoping to find great deals and give items a second life. The protagonist, Soo-hyun, finds herself in this very situation when her washing machine breaks down. Repair costs are too high, and a new machine is out of her budget, so she turns to a secondhand website.
She quickly finds a seemingly perfect machine, but her excitement turns to frustration when the installer reveals it’s unusable. Soo-hyun, feeling cheated out of her 300,000 won, tries to contact the seller, only to discover that all traces of the transaction have vanished.
The truth is far more sinister: the washing machine was sold by a man known as “Spectacles,” a ruthless criminal who preys on unsuspecting victims. He uses fake female profiles to lure women, murders them, and then sells their belongings online.
Spectacles is careful, constantly changing locations and deleting accounts after each transaction. However, Soo-hyun is not one to back down easily. Through sheer determination, she manages to track down Spectacles’ latest online posting, setting off a dangerous confrontation.
The film doesn’t delve into Spectacles’ background or motivations, but it’s clear he possesses hacking skills, allowing him to access Soo-hyun’s personal information. This combination of technical expertise and violent tendencies makes him a formidable and terrifying adversary.
Spectacles escalates his harassment, using tactics like prank calls, unwanted food deliveries, installing hidden cameras, and even remotely controlling Soo-hyun’s computer. His targets are young women living alone, highlighting his cowardly nature.
His obsession with Soo-hyun seems driven by a need to assert dominance. He revels in the fact that he can torment her without facing any real consequences, as the police struggle to find any concrete evidence.
The film’s ending feels somewhat rushed, leaving the audience with a sense of Soo-hyun’s fear and helplessness. Spectacles’ origins and motivations remain a mystery, leaving viewers to fill in the blanks. While the film offers a satisfying resolution, it lacks depth in certain areas.
Unraveling the Unrealistic: Plot Holes and Missed Opportunities
While “Target” offers a suspenseful ride, some plot elements feel contrived and undermine the film’s credibility.
- Soo-hyun’s Stubbornness: After experiencing harassment and having her door lock compromised, Soo-hyun inexplicably refuses to change her password or move. While the password issue could be explained by Spectacles hacking her new one, her refusal to relocate is baffling. She’s just moved in, so it’s not about sentimental attachment, and her friend repeatedly urges her to leave.
- The Incompetent Police: Despite the barrage of digital harassment, the police are unable to find any leads. Soo-hyun reports the initial fraud, but the police dismiss it due to a heavy workload. Only when the situation escalates do they consider tracking Spectacles’ phone signal. The lack of investigation into his online accounts is questionable, even if he’s a skilled hacker.
- Spectacles’ Abrupt Demise: Spectacles’ quick defeat feels anticlimactic and deviates from the typical Korean thriller formula. While he did kill the young man at the beginning, he meticulously cleaned up the crime scene and left no digital footprint. It would be difficult to convict him, and Korean cinema often explores the frustration of knowing someone is guilty but lacking the evidence to prove it. A more compelling ending would have seen Spectacles arrested but leaving a lingering sense of unease, setting the stage for a sequel. Imagine a second film where Spectacles seeks revenge on Soo-hyun after his release, leading to a thrilling cyber war between hackers.
Lessons Learned: Navigating the Perils of Online Trading
“Target” serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of online transactions.
- Beware the Unknown: Online marketplaces are rife with uncertainty, making it easy for malicious individuals to exploit unsuspecting users. Protecting your personal information is paramount.
- Know When to Fold: Sometimes, it’s best to cut your losses and run. When the police are unable to protect you, Soo-hyun’s decision to stay put is illogical.
- Pride Comes Before a Fall: Spectacles’ arrogance and belief in his invincibility ultimately lead to his downfall. Even the most skilled predator can be caught.
