Why Korean Film ‘Hope’ Became One Of Cannes’ Most Talked-About Movies

BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentWhy Korean Film ‘Hope’ Became One Of Cannes’ Most Talked-About MoviesByRegina Kim,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Regina Kim covers Korean and Asian American entertainment.Follow AuthorMay 29, 2026, 11:10am EDTMay 29, 2026, 11:14am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 17: (L-R) Zo In-sung, Hwang Jeong-min, Na Hong-jin, Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell and Hoyeon Jung attend the "Hope" screening during the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 17, 2026 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)Getty ImagesOne of the most talked-about movies at this year’s Cannes Film Festival was South Korean director Na Hong-jin’s genre-defying thriller Hope. Not to be confused with the 2013 film of the same name by another iconic Korean director Lee Joon-ik, Na’s Hope has been described as a high-octane mashup of horror, comedy, action and sci-fi (with aliens!). Written, directed and co-produced by Na, the film stars Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell and Squid Game’s Jung Ho-yeon alongside Korean heavy hitters Zo In-sung and Hwang Jung-min (who also starred in Na’s acclaimed 2016 horror flick The Wailing). Hope takes place in a rural village near the Korean Demilitarized Zone, a strip of land that separates North and South Korea. When the local police chief (played by Hwang) is called to investigate a mutilated animal carcass, he soon realizes that a mysterious, superhuman creature may be rampaging through his town. What begins as a local inquiry quickly escalates into a brutal, gory confrontation of cosmic proportions. ‘Hope’ is the most expensive Korean film in historyHope is the first Korean film to be invited to compete at the Cannes Film Festival in four years and marks Na’s first entry into the compet...