Somebody

"Somebody" is a South Korean psychological thriller that explores the theme of mental disorder, trauma, and the complexities of human relationships. On the surface, the movie appears to be a character-driven drama, delving into the lives of its protagonists, but beneath this façade lies a sinister narrative that propels the story towards a gripping climax. The film begins with a young mother, Young-eun, working as a swimming instructor to support herself and her 7-year-old daughter, So-hyun. Despite their difficult circumstances, the two are close, and Young-eun's love for So-hyun is evident in every moment they share. However, as the story unfolds, So-hyun's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, demonstrating a profound disregard for her mother's efforts to address her mental health issues. The puppy's tragic demise serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting the fragility of life and the long-lasting impact of traumatic events on children. This incident, coupled with So-hyun's bullying ways at school, paints a disturbing picture of a child struggling with emotional dysregulation. Despite her mother's best efforts to provide a loving and nurturing environment, So-hyun's behavior persists, leaving the audience questioning the root causes of her troubles. Years pass, and So-hyun grows into a complex and troubled individual, her actions veiled behind a mask of apathy and disdain. The narrative jumps forward in time, introducing Min, who works with unclaimed deaths, and Hae-young, a new colleague with whom she begins to form a connection. As their relationship deepens, Min finds herself becoming increasingly uneasy about Hae-young's intentions. Hae-young's character serves as a masterful example of the 'Uncanny Valley' – an eerie, unsettling feeling one experiences when encountering something that is almost, but not quite, indistinguishable from the real thing. Her actions and words are meticulously crafted to appear benevolent, even warm, but they also harbor a sinister undertone that makes Min, and the audience, extremely suspicious. This ambiguity creates tension and keeps viewers engaged, as they try to piece together the puzzle of Hae-young's true nature. As the narrative unfolds, a series of cryptic events and flashbacks are expertly woven into the story, drawing attention to So-hyun's past. Her actions as an adult are revealed to be linked to a traumatic event from her childhood, a tragic incident that has left emotional scars and continues to wreak havoc on her present. This carefully constructed narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of childhood trauma and the long-term consequences of neglected mental health issues. Meanwhile, Min's growing unease about Hae-young's intentions is mirrored in his increasingly strained relationships with those around him. His colleagues at work start to show signs of suspicious behavior, raising questions about the company they work for and the nature of their work with unclaimed deaths. This creates an air of unease and raises the stakes for Min and Hae-young, making their interactions more intense and suspenseful. Throughout the film, the cinematography is characterized by dark, muted colors, reflecting the somber and often ominous tone of the narrative. The lighting is deliberately muted, creating an atmospheric sense of foreboding, as if the audience is witnessing a slow-burning storm that threatens to erupt at any moment. Ultimately, "Somebody" is a gripping psychological thriller that masterfully navigates the complexities of human relationships and the lasting impact of childhood trauma. The film's narrative is layered, with a series of carefully constructed plot twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the truth behind Hae-young's true intentions. By exploring the boundaries of human emotions and the capacity for cruelty, the film raises essential questions about the nature of empathy and our capacity to recognize it in others. In the end, "Somebody" emerges as a thought-provoking and haunting film, its impact lingering long after the credits have rolled.