Black Light is a gripping South Korean thriller directed by Bae Jong-Dae and starring Jo Dae-Hee, Yeom Hye-ran, and Park Ji-hu. The film, released in 2020, follows the story of a brilliant detective, Moon Chul-Woo (Jo Dae-Hee), who is tasked with solving a series of murders that have been haunting the city. The film opens with Chul-Woo investigating the scene of a gruesome crime, where the body of a young woman has been found. He is a seasoned detective, haunted by his past and fueled by his passion for justice. His dedication to his work is evident, but it is also a source of tension for his colleagues and his family, who feel neglected by his constant absence.
As he investigates the case, Chul-Woo discovers something strange about the crime scene - the victim's blood is glowing, emitting a black light. This oddity becomes a recurring feature of the murders he investigates, and leads him down a rabbit hole of conspiracy and intrigue. As he delves deeper, we are introduced to a cast of complex and fascinating characters, each with their own motives and secrets.
One of these characters is Ju-Kyeong (Yeom Hye-ran), a woman with a tragic past who now runs an antique shop. Her son, Ye-Joon (Park Ji-hu), is Chul-Woo's neighbor, and the two form a bond as Chul-Woo becomes a father figure to the young boy. Ju-Kyeong's past is intertwined with the murders that Chul-Woo investigates, and she becomes a key player in the story. Ye-Joon, who is deaf, provides a unique perspective on the investigation, as he relies on his other senses to navigate the world around him.
As Chul-Woo gets closer to unraveling the mystery behind the glowing blood, he finds himself drawn into a web of conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power. The tension builds steadily throughout the film, culminating in a thrilling and unexpected conclusion. Along the way, we are treated to stunning visuals and powerful performances from the cast.
At its core, Black Light is a story about the search for justice in a world where the powerful often hold all the cards. It explores themes of corruption, trauma, and the lengths we will go to in order to protect those we love. While it is a thriller at heart, it is also a deeply emotional and human story, filled with characters who are flawed, but ultimately sympathetic.
Overall, Black Light is a masterful piece of filmmaking that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The plot is intricate and engaging, the visuals are stunning, and the performances are top-notch. It is a must-see for fans of thrillers and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story.
Black Light is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.
