Have You Seen My Son

'Have You Seen My Son' is a 2018 South Korean thriller film directed by Lee Jun-kyoo. The movie revolves around Yoon Seok-joon, a high-profile figure who becomes embroiled in a sensationalized trial. As an added subplot, the story of Cha Soon-ja, whose infant son has been kidnapped, becomes intertwined with Yoon's narrative. However, when Cha's son is kidnapped by her ex-husband, Lee Ki-woo, she is faced with a desperate struggle to find him. The movie's portrayal of her anxiety and fear is palpable, with her constantly receiving threatening messages from Lee. Her ex-husband, as revealed later, has severe psychological issues due to a past tragedy. His desire for revenge against Cha Soon-ja leads him to kidnap her child as a means of exerting control over her. Lee sends her messages and hints about the location of her son to further torment her. This plot device raises the tension and allows the audience to empathize with Cha's plight. In desperation, she turns to the press to get attention for the disappearance and also enlists the help of a private investigator. Cha's emotional struggle becomes increasingly evident as the days turn into weeks without any signs of her son's whereabouts. Yoon Seok-joon's narrative and the kidnapping storyline of Cha Soon-ja eventually intersect when she starts to question the veracity of Yoon's supposed innocence at trial. As her child disappears, Cha is forced to endure a series of painful flashbacks from her marriage, exposing her complicated relationship with Lee. These moments of introspection underscore the pain she faces as her child goes missing and further emphasizes the stakes of finding him. In one pivotal moment, Cha receives a video message where her son is seen being taken to an island, where Lee has set up an eerie, isolated setting. Her desperation peaks when she arrives at the island and, amidst the danger, makes a bold move to rescue her son. As she battles to save her child, Cha Soon-ja also finds solace by reflecting on the positive memories she shared with her son and the relationship she has with him. The film's gripping portrayal of the kidnapping's psychological toll on Cha Soon-ja is a key aspect of its narrative. It is not long before Cha discovers Lee's motives and uncovers a twisted web behind the disappearance of her child. In a thrilling denouement, Cha is left to confront the full extent of Lee's manipulation and the depth of his psychological instability. Her quest to rescue her child culminates in a final confrontation, forcing her to consider the consequences of saving him. In the end, Cha is forced to confront the harsh reality of her son's disappearance and the pain she felt throughout the ordeal. Her quest to find him serves as a testament to her unrelenting love for him. Ultimately, 'Have You Seen My Son' showcases a gripping narrative, coupled with the complexity of human emotions and a tense atmosphere of desperation and fear that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.