Korean Filmmaker Syeyoung’s Gritty New Sci-Fi Thriller The Fin Premieres at Locarno
Get ready, cinephiles! Korean filmmaker Syeyoung is making waves with his genre-bending feature The Fin, which just premiered today in competition at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival. If you haven’t seen the first trailer yet, hit play above and prepare to be hooked.
This film takes you into a dystopian, post-war Korea that’s not only scarred by conflict but also ravaged by ecological disaster. The world Syeyoung paints is haunting: a fractured society where mutated outcasts known as Omegas are forced into cheap labor, living on the fringes of a decaying state. The story follows Sujin, a young government worker who starts to question the ideology fed to her by the authorities after she crosses paths with Mia, a hidden Omega. What unfolds is an intense, atmospheric journey into the cracks of a broken system.
Why The Fin Is Worth Your Attention
Syeyoung doesn’t just direct this film — he also wrote the screenplay and even handled the cinematography, which gives The Fin a unique, cohesive vision that’s rare to see. The cast includes some standout talent like Yeji Yeon, Pureum Kim, Goh-Woo, Youngdoo Jeong, and Joowon Meng, who bring real depth to this dark, futuristic world.
Produced through a fascinating international collaboration between South Korea, Germany, and Qatar, the film’s producers include Heejung Oh, Philippe Bober, and Syeyoung himself. This global partnership adds a rich layer of cultural perspective to the movie’s production values.
Behind the Scenes: A Filmmaker on the Rise
Born in 1996, Syeyoung is one of Korea’s exciting new voices in cinema. He graduated from the Korea National University of Arts, where he earned both a BFA in Film and an MFA in Video Arts. His debut feature, The Fifth Thoracic Vertebra, already earned him serious acclaim—winning three awards at the Bucheon Film Festival, snagging Best Director at the Seoul Independent Film Festival, and even receiving a Special Jury Mention at the Fantasia Film Festival. The film also made its way to Sitges, one of the world’s top genre festivals.
Now, with The Fin, Syeyoung digs even deeper into a futuristic vision, blending genre storytelling with social commentary that’s both timely and timeless.
What Syeyoung Has to Say About The Fin
In his own words, Syeyoung describes The Fin as a poetic yet chilling look at a near-future Korea. “The lost dreams of those who perished at sea travel by night into United Korea’s corroding corridors, echoing bittersweet hymns of sirens,” he said in his directorial statement. This film isn’t just a sci-fi thriller; it’s a meditation on fear, myth-making, and the haunting legacies of trauma.
This quote gives you a sense of the film’s poetic depth, setting it apart from typical dystopian fare. It’s clear that Syeyoung is interested in exploring not only the visual spectacle but also the emotional and cultural undercurrents that ripple through his story.
A Collaborative Editing Effort
One interesting behind-the-scenes tidbit is the film’s editing credits. The Fin lists not just one or two, but four editors: Clémentine Decremps, Syeyoung himself, Jiyoon Han, and Benjamin Mirguet. This collaborative approach to editing might explain the film’s unique rhythm and texture — a seamless blend of perspectives that keeps you engaged throughout.
On the distribution side, The Coproduction Office is handling world sales, which means The Fin has a strong chance of reaching audiences beyond the festival circuit.
What Makes The Fin Stand Out?
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Genre-bending vision: The film blends sci-fi, social commentary, and psychological drama with a distinctly Korean flavor.
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Eco-dystopian backdrop: The post-war ecological collapse adds an urgent environmental angle rarely seen in genre films.
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Complex characters: Sujin’s journey from belief to doubt feels authentic and compelling, while Mia’s mystery keeps you guessing.
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International collaboration: The South Korea-Germany-Qatar production team brings fresh energy and diverse viewpoints.
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Poetic storytelling: Syeyoung’s lyrical directorial voice elevates the film beyond mere entertainment.
Festival Buzz and What to Expect
Locarno, running through August 16, has a reputation for showcasing daring and innovative films, and The Fin fits perfectly into this tradition. Expect audiences to be intrigued by its striking visuals, moody atmosphere, and thought-provoking themes.
If you’re into films that challenge genre boundaries and offer something new, The Fin should be on your radar. It’s a film that invites you to question what you know about power, fear, and survival in a world that’s both alien and frighteningly familiar.
Final Thoughts
The Fin is more than just a sci-fi thriller—it’s a deep dive into the complexities of a fractured society haunted by past tragedies and ecological disaster. Syeyoung’s vision combines poetic storytelling with gripping drama, making it a standout entry at this year’s Locarno Film Festival.
Don’t miss the chance to watch the trailer above and keep an eye on The Fin as it makes its way into the world. It’s a bold, ambitious debut from a filmmaker who’s clearly one to watch.
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