The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion

The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion is a 2018 South Korean horror-thriller film that delves into the dark world of trauma, memory, and the consequences of violent experiences. The movie, directed by Park Hoon-jung, weaves a complex narrative that takes Ja-yoon on a journey to uncover the truth about her past and confront the mysterious forces that have her in their grip. Ja-yoon, a high school student, appears to lead a normal life, but beneath the surface, she struggles with memory loss and a deep sense of unease. She has gaps in her memory from her childhood, which seem to be connected to a traumatic event that has left her with fragmented recollections. The film's opening scenes depict Ja-yoon's ordinary high school life, but as the story unfolds, her seemingly idyllic existence is disrupted by a sequence of events that forces her to confront the truth about her past. The movie's plot revolves around Ja-yoon's gradual descent into the world of crime, where she becomes entangled with a mysterious figure known as Il-gwang, also known as Balloon Man. Played by Choi Woo-shik, Il-gwang is an enigmatic character who may either be a friend or foe, but his intentions are far from clear. As Ja-yoon delves deeper into the truth about her past, she becomes increasingly dependent on Il-gwang, whose knowledge and expertise seem to be crucial in helping her unravel the enigma surrounding her childhood trauma. Meanwhile, Tae-jun, played by Jung Eun-chae's character's boyfriend, seems to be hiding his own secrets and lies. As Ja-yoon gets closer to the truth, Tae-jun becomes increasingly uncooperative, which leads to a series of confrontations that test Ja-yoon's resolve and faith in those around her. Throughout the film, Park Hoon-jung masterfully employs a dark, atmospheric setting to create an unsettling mood that mirrors Ja-yoon's inner turmoil. The cinematography is somber and evocative, capturing the stark contrast between Ja-yoon's mundane high school life and the dark reality she is about to face. One of the central themes of the film is the exploration of trauma and its lasting effects on the human psyche. As Ja-yoon grapples with her memory loss and the fragmented recollections of her childhood, the audience is taken on a journey through her inner struggles. The film raises questions about the nature of trauma and the coping mechanisms people use to deal with the pain of their past. Through Ja-yoon's experience, the film highlights the darker aspects of the human experience and the ways in which trauma can shape and warp our lives. The performances in the film are solid, with Park So-dam delivering a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of Ja-yoon. She conveys the depth of Ja-yoon's emotional pain, making it felt as a palpable and visceral experience for the viewer. Alongside her, the supporting cast delivers memorable performances that add depth and complexity to the narrative. The 2018 horror-thriller of Park Hoon-jung introduces numerous disconcerting crimes that provide an enthralling shock, drawing the viewer deeply into the unfolding mystery.