TVING
The movie "Midnight" (2021) is a short thriller. It was released on Jun. 30, 2021. The movie was shown in cinemas and the online video was released on the platform TVING.
The filming began in 2019. The movie was supposed to release in 2020 but the COVID-19 outbreak brought a delay in its release.
The phenomenally shot movie, though, unfortunately, did not receive much appreciation at its release. Though after the leading actor, Wi HaJun rose to fame with "Squid Game", "Midnight" became known to many.
"Midnight" is also available on iQIYI and here is why you must watch it right now! The content below contains some spoiler.
1. The Story Line Of Midnight
TVING
The story of "Midnight" follows the concept of a cat and mouse chase. KyungMi (played by Jin KiJoo) is a sign language counselor at a call center, being deaf herself. One night she stumbles upon a crime scene only to be trapped in the wrath of a serial killer, DoShik (played by Wi HaJun). To eradicate any clues left of his murders, DoShik must eliminate KyungMi. So begins the chase for KyungMi's life.
The story line is intriguing itself. Firstly, the whole movie is based on one night (mainly) yet still there is not a single part where it gets boring. Instead, the story keeps you on the edge. Moreover, we see many thriller dramas and plays between a cop and a serial killer or cops actively involved, but here we see a victim helplessly struggling by herself and failing to reach for any official help. Even when she did, they did not believe her.
2. Talented Main Cast And Characters Of Midnight
Wi HaJun as DoShik
TVING
Many know Wi HaJun as a detective, a baseball player and even as an alternative personality. Wi HaJun has shown his versatility in many forms, from heartwarming romance to now a deadly predator in "Midnight".
DoShik is a vicious serial killer, who lures his prey in many forms and very much secretly. He is incredibly sly and manipulative, seeing how he can quickly shift his facial expressions and convince others to be anything but the vicious being that he is. What makes the character more interesting is the mystery. Though we get a glimpse of other character's lives, we know very little about DoShik. There was very little told about his past life, except a few hints in his dialogues, but those were not clear.
We also get to ask, why does he kill? And why only target females? Also, the targets shown throughout varied. Unlike many dramas where serial killers target a specific age or trait, DoShik targets were not the same except for the fact that they were females.
Wi HaJun fascinates us by how well absorbed he was in the character. The craziness in his eyes and quick shift in behavior. Wi HaJun carried the character so naturally and smoothly that it kept the viewers on edge, what will he do next? Because he was completely unpredictable!
Jin KiJoo as KyungMi
iQIYI
Jin KiJoo is mostly known for her role in "Secret Life Of My Secretary", where she played the character Jung GalHee and also the show "Come And Hug Me" with the character Han JaeYi.
KyungMi works at a call center and struggles with hearing impairment. Just like her mother. Because of the defect, many try to take advantage of her, as seen in the office meeting, but KyungMi does not let anyone do wrong to her. In fact she is a strong fighter.
Jin KiJoo stood out in "Midnight". She adopted the role to the fullest. Her performance was so raw and true that it was hard to differentiate her from KyungMi.
Being someone completely normal and never having to go through such a phase. Jin KiJoo presents the character's struggle to speak and form words so real. Even talking about the emotions. During the whole movie, KyungMi is fearful yet fighting for her life. Jin KiJoo kept a consistency in presenting emotions.
Kim HyeYoon as SeoJung
TVING
Kim HyeYoon is mostly known as Eun DanOh from "Extraordinary You" and even from the recently aired show "Snowdrop", playing the character Gye BunOk.
SeoJung is introduced as the younger sister of a cop named JongTak (played by Park Hoon). She lost her parents and was raised by her over-protective brother. She is supposed to go on a blind date, but on her way back, she becomes the victim of a deadly serial killer. Though we did not see much of Kim HyeYoon, the very limited scenes created a sufficient impact.
Kim HyeYoon gave us a glimpse of herself in the beginning as a bright and joyful girl but as the movie progresses we see the character fall into danger. The extreme fear and helplessness were portrayed fantastically.
3. The Cinematography
This part contains huge spoilers.
As mentioned before, the story revolves around one night. And most of the scenes were in the street with the least lightening, which added to the mystery and mood of the scenes. Though to its contrast, DoShik's van had purple LED lights and his weapon basket had colorful strips on it. This added to the character's profile, giving it a more psychotic aura.
iQIYI
Then, when Jin KiJoo's character, KyungMi, finds SeoJung. The place is illuminated red, a figurative way to indicate impending danger perhaps. Similarly, the time when KyungMi enters the parking lot, the lights keep flickering.
Whilst the director played with lights. He also did it with sound. Considering the female lead to be deaf, there were often times the sound was cut off and we saw the world through KyungMi's perspective. Especially the times when devices like the light indicator which are turned on upon DoShik entering the place. This added more suspense and depth to the scenes.
The cinematography did great justice to the story line and the characters. We saw the director, Kwang OhSeung, using everything that he could to enhance the power of the scenes.
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