Is there anything which causes more anxiety for parents than the fear of losing a child? Whilst this can often lead to overly protective or cosseted behaviour, the miniscule chance that something bad will happen can become all-absorbing. The trauma caused by the disappearance of a son or daughter is hard to quantify, but it’s often the not-knowing that triggers the most pain. Which prevents someone moving on with their life. This is the case in Kim Seung-woo’s new film Bring Me Home.
It has been six years since Jung-yeon’s (Lee Young-ae) son went missing but she has never given up hope of finding him again. Along with her husband, the well-respected nurse spends her spare time searching for their child. After he dies in a car crash whilst chasing a false lead, she hardens her resolve. So, when she gets an anonymous tip about a young boy matching the description, she drops everything and travels to a fishing village to investigate.
Whilst the subject matter might be fairly familiar, Bring Me Home is an affecting and complex drama. The approach taken by Kim is an unusual one. The first half follows a relatively obvious path, before making a significant shift in tone. This kind of works and kind of doesn’t, but it’s never short of engrossing. Lee impresses as the determined lead. Half lost in grief but relentless in her pursuit of the truth.
Bring Me Home screened at Fantasia Festival.
