‘Exist Within’, directed by Kim Jeong-Uk and written by Lee Chung-Soon, is a psychological thriller that delves into obsession, privacy, and the disturbing consequences of blurring the lines between reality and fiction. With a well-crafted narrative and solid performances, the film holds a captivating atmosphere, but it leaves some unfulfilled potential, particularly in its exploration of mystery and psychological depth.
Plot
The story follows Eun-Soo (Ryu Hwa-Young), an aspiring writer living in unit 401 of an apartment building. Plagued by the incessant noise coming from the apartment above her, unit 501, Eun-Soo becomes increasingly frustrated. When her friend suggests that she write about what’s around her, Eun-Soo decides to turn her annoyance into material for a contest entry. This leads her to begin observing her mysterious neighbor, Ho-Kyung (Park Jin-Woo), who lives in unit 501. What begins as simple curiosity soon morphs into an obsessive surveillance, as Eun-Soo tails Ho-Kyung and even opens his mail to gather more information about his life. As her investigation deepens, Eun-Soo uncovers more and more mysteries.
Ryu Hwa-Young delivers an excellent performance as Eun-Soo, perfectly portraying a character whose growing paranoia and fixation take her down a dangerous path. Her transition from an aspiring writer to an obsessive voyeur feels believable, capturing the complexities of someone torn between ambition and the moral boundaries she crosses. Park Jin-Woo also excels in his role as Ho-Kyung, playing a character that initially seems enigmatic but gradually reveals layers of tension as Eun-Soo’s obsession with him intensifies.
Cinematographer Jo Young-Chan’s work stands out, with a visual style that complements the film’s somber and unsettling tone. The use of color and tight framing accentuate Eun-Soo’s sense of paranoia and confinement. The cinematography effectively enhances this feeling. The slow pacing adds to the atmosphere, allowing the tension to build before revealing the darker turns the narrative takes.
The premise is undeniably intriguing, however, ‘Exist Within’ feels like it could have played more with the balance between reality and fiction. Eun-Soo’s growing obsession with Ho-Kyung and her blending of research for her writing with her intrusive actions provide a fertile ground for exploring themes of self-deception and the consequences of her voyeurism. A deeper dive into the mystery of Eun-Soo’s behavior, perhaps leaving the audience questioning what is real versus imagined, could have added an extra layer of psychological complexity and suspense.
Check out the trailer below.
