‘The Ugly’ is a moody, slow-burning mystery thriller from Yeon Sang-ho that feels heavy from the very first scene in a very intentional way. Based on the director’s own graphic novel, the film centers on long-buried secrets, fractured families, and the idea that the most disturbing truths are often the ones we refuse to see.
Plot
The story follows Im Dong-hwan (Park Jeong-min), a man who has spent his entire life without knowing his mother. When police inform him that her remains have finally been discovered, four decades after her disappearance, Dong-hwan is forced to confront a past that was deliberately erased. His father, Im Young-kyu (Kwon Hae-hyo), is a blind but highly respected seal craftsman, revered for his precision and artistry, yet emotionally distant and surrounded by unspoken history.
As Dong-hwan begins investigating his mother Jung Young-hee’s death, he teams up with documentary PD Kim Su-jin (Han Ji-hyun), who was originally filming his father. Their search leads them back to a Cheonggyecheon clothing factory where Jung Young-hee once worked, peeling back layers of exploitation, silence, and cruelty hidden beneath ordinary lives.
The standout here is Park Jeong-min, who delivers a quietly powerful performance—not only as Dong-hwan, but also as the younger version of his father. Watching him embody two generations of pain, guilt, and emotional repression is easily the film’s strongest element. The supporting cast adds depth, especially in the way each character represents a different form of complicity or denial.
That said, the film isn’t without its flaws. The pacing can feel uneven and slightly clunky at times, especially in the middle stretch where tension stalls instead of escalating. While the atmosphere remains strong, the mystery itself becomes increasingly predictable as it unfolds. The final message: that true ugliness lies in cruelty and moral corruption rather than physical appearance, lands clearly, but also feels a bit too on-the-nose, especially given how early it becomes apparent.
Still, ‘The Ugly’ is an engaging and thoughtful watch, elevated by strong performances and a somber, reflective tone. It may not fully stick the landing, but its emotional weight and central themes linger long after the credits roll. If you enjoy introspective thrillers that focus more on human darkness than shock value, this one is worth your time.
Check out the trailer below.
