Hope: Na Hong-jin's Sci-Fi Thriller A Success at the Cannes Film Festival, Ready for Cinemas!

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The epic sci-fi action thriller Hope (호프) has made waves on the international film scene.

Director Na Hong-jin's latest work will have its world premiere on May 17, 2026, in the main competition of the 79th Cannes Film Festival.

This marks Na Hong-jin's return after a decade and is his first entry in the race for the prestigious Palme d'Or.

"Hope" is not only in the spotlight for its directorial work, but also for its status as one of the most expensive Korean films ever produced.

Following its impressive debut at Cannes, the film is scheduled for release in South Korean theaters in the summer of 2026.

Meanwhile, audiences in North America and other English-speaking territories can expect a release in the fall of 2026, after Neon acquired distribution rights.

This film promises an immersive cinematic experience, combining elements of mystery, horror, science fiction, and survival thriller, centered on a remote village facing an unknown threat.

The story of "Hope" centers on a remote village called Hope Harbor, located near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

The community's peace is suddenly disturbed after a mysterious discovery on the outskirts of town.

Initially suspected to be a wild tiger, the situation quickly escalates into a deeper and more terrifying mystery involving a mysterious creature or entity after a forest fire cuts off all communications.

The local police chief, Bum-seok, played by Hwang Jung-min, and a rookie officer named Sung-ae, played by Jung Ho-yeon, are called in to investigate the chaos.

Meanwhile, a group of local hunters, including Sung-ki (Zoo In-sung), attempt to track the creature in the nearby forest, but in the course of their hunt, they become the hunted.

Director Na Hong-jin stated that the film not only offers suspense, but also explores profound themes such as xenophobia, misunderstanding, and the struggle to understand those who are different.

"Hope" features a strong international cast, combining the talents of Korean and Hollywood actors, contributing to the film's global appeal.

Hwang Jung-min plays Bum-seok, the village police chief who struggles to protect his community from an unknown threat.

Zo In-sung plays Sung-ki, a headstrong local resident who leads a group of hunters, adding to the strong character dynamics.

Jung Ho-yeon, known for her roles in popular series, plays Sung-ae, a rookie police officer who displays extraordinary courage in the face of a precarious situation.

The film is also bolstered by the presence of Hollywood stars such as Taylor Russell as Ai'dovor, Cameron Britton as Va'migere, Alicia Vikander as J'aur, and Michael Fassbender as Ma'veyyo.

Other cast members in "Hope" include Uhm Tae-goo and Lee Kyu-hyung, completing an ensemble that promises a captivating performance.

Following its premiere at Cannes, "Hope" received mixed to generally positive reviews from critics.

The film was praised as a "hugely entertaining genre mash-up" and a "pedal-to-the-metal slasher fest" that never lets up in its pace.

Some critics also praised its "impressive" action sequences and unique directorial vision, even comparing it to Bong Joon-ho's "The Host" and George Miller's "Mad Max: Fury Road."

This acclaim was bolstered by a 7-minute standing ovation at Cannes and a Metacritic score of 70 based on 14 critic reviews, indicating a "generally favorable" reception.