When people think about Asian horror, they often focus on Japanese cinema. Whilst some of the most famous films (Ringu, Audition, Dark Water) come from the land of the rising sun, there’s a wealth of great movies from all over the continent. South Korea has an impressive reputation, with the likes of A Tale of Two Sisters, I Saw the Devil, The Wailing, Train to Busan and The Host making a big splash around the world. Door Lock looks set to join them.
Kyung-min (Gong Hyo-jin) is a single woman who works in a bank and lives alone in a small apartment. She starts to become paranoid that someone is watching her and trying to get into her flat. She goes to the police but Detective Lee (Kim Sung-oh) and his colleagues don’t believe her. Along with her best friend (Kim Ye-won), she sets about trying to solve the mystery; with deadly consequences.
Door Lock harks back to the golden era of Asian horror at the beginning of the century. It’s a clever premise which is executed superbly by director Kwon Lee. As the plot thickens and more players are introduced into the mix, it’s Gong Hyo-jin’s assured performance which keeps everything grounded. Door Lock is a psychological thriller of the highest order. One which will keep you guessing and permanently sat on the edge of your seat.
Door Lock screened at Fantasia Festival 2019.
