Movie Review: Parasite
by Julie Perez
Parasite Review: If reading this review is your introduction to the movie Parasite, I urge you to go out of your way to watch this film. If you decide to continue reading, look forward to extremely vague statements and no spoilers happening so, have fun!
Dare I say, Parasite is the best film of 2019. I say this having gone on the heartbreaking journey that was The Farewell, the joyful journey that was The Peanut Butter Falcon, the powerful journey that was Hustlers and so many other films in between. If Parasite is your introduction to Bong Joon-ho, then you’re in for an unpredictable treat. If you’ve been a longtime fan of his, then you’ll leave the theater surprised by the fact that he’s found a way to be better than he’s ever been.
Parasite tells the story of the Kim family, a lower-class family of four who are barely surviving and constantly trying to scrape up some extra cash. The Kim family finesse their way into working for the wealthy Park family. The Kim family, though essentially con-artists, have a way of portraying their decisions in a way that helps you understand why they do what they do. Which is a testament to every single actor involved in the film. The Kim family consists of the remarkable Song Kang Ho, Jang Hye Jin, Park So Dam and Choi Woo Shik. The Park family, a bit more subtle in their excellence, consist of Jung-Hye, Lee Sun Kyun, Cho Yeo Jeong and Jung Hyeon Jun
If you’re looking at this film on the surface level, then it is a movie very clearly about class and wealth. Yet, the brilliance of Bong Joon-ho is that he so effortlessly plays with the theme of the movie throughout the entirety of it. Whether it’s the way he frames the shot or the music which forces your mood to change; Parasite doesn’t allow you to get too comfortable in your seat. You are constantly wondering who the villains are meant to be and the comedic moments quickly strip each character of any preconceived notions you may have of them.
Yes this movie is funny and sure, at times it was uncomfortable in its comedy but it all played to a bigger picture. I would struggle to put this film in a particular genre, since its theme so casually changes multiple times. To say I left the movie theater immediately obsessed with the film is an understatement. I walked out of the movie theater with the sudden urge to rewatch it immediately; there’s no way you’ll catch every nuance on the first watch. There’s a reason why Parasite is quickly becoming the most-talked about movie of 2019 and I encourage you to go and see why for yourself.
Parasite is now playing in select theaters in Los Angeles and New York, with plans to release in other cities later in the year.
