'Comment squad,' 'she died,' and other immersive reality-reflecting thriller films have garnered heated interest from audiences. Following this, the film 'Streaming' (screenplay and direction by Jo Jang-ho, provided and distributed by Lotte Entertainment, produced by Berry Good Studio, and co-produced by TH Story) realistically portrays the world of real-time streaming.
Following the heart-pounding reality-filled themes of 'She Died' and 'Comment Squad,' a reality-reflecting thriller has emerged in theaters. 'Streaming' is a thriller that depicts the story of a crime channel streamer, Woosang, who discovers clues to a serial murder case that has yet to be solved and broadcasts the process of tracking the perpetrator in real-time. The top-ranked streamer, 'Woosang' (Kang Ha-neul), who exclusively occupies all of the donations on the streaming platform 'Waege,' begins to track the 'Clothing Hem Serial Murder Case,' which has been at the center of attention, in an effort to maintain his position but finds himself in unexpected danger. 'Streaming' reveals the reality of the streaming platform world, where anything can be done for popularity and notoriety, prompting reflection on how personal broadcasts, which delve deep into daily life, now seek only greater stimulation and dopamine. Notably, 'Streaming' enhances the film's realism through long take shooting techniques to capture vivid real-time broadcasts, ads reminiscent of actual internet broadcasts, and active chat windows, while the reliably seen actor Kang Ha-neul perfectly embodies his role as the crime channel streamer 'Woosang,' providing intense immersion.
'She Died' is a mystery thriller film about a realtor, Gu Jeong-tae (Byun Yo-han), who has a hobby of voyeurism. He witnesses the death of the social media influencer, Han So-ra (Shin Hye-sun), whom he has been observing and rummages through her surroundings to clear the murderer's name. The characters we see in our everyday lives, the influencer 'Han So-ra,' who garners attention through various lies, and the realtor 'Gu Jeong-tae,' who trespasses into others' homes without feeling any guilt about not stealing anything, illuminate the reality of our society where boundaries are crossed in observing others and being observed. This film has been discussed for leaving points to ponder in the age of social media.
'Comment Squad' tells the story of a reporter, Lim Sang-jin (Son Seok-gu), who is disciplined for writing an article about a large corporation, after an anonymous informant emerges claiming they manipulated online public opinion. Based on the novel of the same name by author Jang Gang-myeong, this work unfolds the process of online opinion formation with a rapid progression, heightening the tension. The existence of the comment squad that manipulates public opinion is portrayed in an immersive way, presenting a confusing situation where it is hard to discern whether it is real or fake, and it has received praise for prompting viewers to reconsider the controversies surrounding opinion manipulation that occurred in real life.
Following the audience's acclaim for the reality-reflecting thrillers 'She Died' and 'Comment Squad,' 'Streaming' is drawing anticipation as a new style of thriller film that perfectly encapsulates realism, unique structure, and thrilling suspense. It will be released in theaters on March 21.
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