Latest news with #KangHaNeul
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Wall to Wall review: Netflix delivers a Squid Game-flavoured darkly comedic satire
Do you also hate your noisy neighbours? Kang Ha Neul's new psychological thriller on Netflix, Wall to Wall, spotlights the brutal reality of a world consumed by ambition, greed, and the race to get ahead, whatever it takes. In a bustling metropolis where owning an apartment, a hollow 84 square meters, is sold as a badge of success, what you really get is a ticking time bomb. In South Korea's development model, these cookie-cutter complexes are less homes and more pressure cookers for modern madness. If you've ever dreamed of owning a shoebox in the heart of a packed city, congratulations, you're exactly who this film is talking to. It's less a movie, more a public service warning presented in the skin of a psychological thriller. Netflix's Wall to Wall, or more accurately, 84 Square Meters, if you prefer a triggering Korean title, tells the story of a guy named Woo Sung, played by Kang Ha Neul. Working as an assistant manager in some corporate maze, he invests all his savings to buy a tiny concrete apartment in the heart of Seoul. He thinks he has found success, a stable job, a fiancée, and his mother's proud smile. Three years in, and he's a wreck as he is drowning in debt, juggling jobs, ghosted by his bank, falling for a crypto scam. Then comes the constant, maddening noise. He can't tell if it's from upstairs or downstairs, it just doesn't stop. It keeps him up at night and wears him down. He tries everything to fix it. Turns out, he's becoming the fall guy for a bitter journalist (Seo Hyun Woo) upstairs, hellbent on revenge against prosecutor Eun Hwa (Yeom Hye Ran), who once stopped his story by bribing the system. The very same story about paper-thin walls in high-rise hell. What follows is a blood-filled game of revenge, ruining the seemingly perfect life of a man who once dreamed of a peaceful Seoul life. Also read: S Line review: K-Drama that's freaking viewers out with its dark take on shame and surveillance Netflix's rising favourite Kang Ha Neul portrays the quintessential modern man in Wall to Wall. Having built a reputation for staying true to his character, he does it again, holding up a mirror to that part of us which still dares to think that owning a small, overpriced, box-sized space will somehow bring peace. It's a cruel joke, one only a society obsessed with property ownership could truly laugh at. For director Kim Tae Joon, who exposed digital paranoia and surveillance in Unlocked (2023), using a cat-and-mouse premise, this latest story feels like a natural next step. It's one of the stronger post-Squid Game narratives about how the system quietly chews you up and spits you out. Kim knows how to frame torment: scattered things, piling dishes, Woo Sung refusing to turn on the electricity just to save the bill and thus 80 per cent of the movie is shot in the darkness. He even reuses the same bathwater for days. Seo Hyun Woo, as the unhinged freelance journalist Jin Ho, brings just the right stubborn, revenge-driven vibe, making Woo Sung his target, chasing that final 'ledger reveal' to his dying breath. And then there's Yeom Hye Ran (When Life Gives You Tangerines), who has mastered on-screen villainy by now. Her character here will make you hate her, and that's how you know how good the acting is. Also read: Wall to wall ending explained: Who's the real noise maker in Kang Ha Neul's Netflix psychological thriller? But, while the concept is brilliant, the only negative part of Wall to Wall is the second half, which loses its momentum and confuses its audience with no real motive behind some of the action scenes. In the first half, you feel Woo Sung's frustration bleeding into you. The noise, the stomping, the false accusations, the question that gnaws: what's so wrong with chasing a metro life? But while we understand that these days directors lean towards realistic endings, deviating from the happy one, the second half of the movie has less impact. There are plenty of twists and action scenes which feel out of place. For some, especially those who don't usually prefer slow burns, it might still be an engaging watch, offering an intense ride through the struggle to escape the claustrophobia of cramped apartment living. But like any other, I would have wanted a satisfying ending for Woo Sung, too. So, in conclusion, Wall to Wall isn't just a thriller. it's a darkly comedic satire. Wall to Wall, through its noisy premise, shows Woo Sung not losing his sleep but losing his grip on reality, his relationships, and ultimately his own self, to the point he wants to take his own life. The ending scene particularly surprised me, as I was left anxious by the last laugh, which felt personal and fully directed towards the viewers. Because in the end, the only thing scarier than the ghosts under your bed are the ones living on the other side of your thin wall, and the bank statement that reminds you exactly how much you paid for the privilege, you can't even enjoy.
The Review Geek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Wall to Wall (2025) Movie Review – A confusing thriller that leads nowhere
A confusing thriller that leads nowhere Kang Ha-neul may have been typecast as the bumbling buffoon in his K-dramas but if you want range, his movies never fail. From comedies to thrillers, he can do it all and has the presence for one-man narratives as well. And whether it is his recent movie, Streaming or the jaw-dropping Forgotten, Ha-neul's thrillers are pretty underrated. But does his Netflix movie, Wall to Wall add another feather to his cap? Helmed by Kim Tae-joon, who is known for his iconic Netflix thriller, Unlocked, Wall to Wall has all the makings of an adrenaline-filled, gritty mystery. Along with Kang Ha-neul, the cast includes familiar faces such as Seo Hyeon-woo, Yeom Hye-ran, Jeon Jin-oh, Park Sung-il and Kang Ae-sim. Wall to Wall is said to be a psychological thriller, complete with mind games, twisted schemes and traitorous characters. Real estate rates are skyrocketing and Seoulites have to bend over backwards to even rent a place. Noh Woo-sung (played by Ha-neul) gets what he thinks is the deal of a lifetime, even though he has to take out a hefty loan to buy an apartment. 3 years later, he is unable to pay his bills and his neighbours are making his life miserable. He is what they call 'house poor' as he now owns an apartment but cannot afford anything else. The rates are going down and he cannot sell it without going into a heavy loss. One day, he is confronted by his downstairs neighbour who blames him for the constant noise coming from the unit above him. He decides to take matters into his own hands but for the life of him, he cannot find the source of the noise. Is he imagining things or is someone out to get him? Wall to Wall starts off as a promising thriller. Every aspect contributes to the suspense from the eerie percussive music and the clinical lighting to the intentional tight close-ups and literally shady lighting. Each apartment unit has a different aesthetic to represent its resident but overall, there is something ghostly. It is as if the building has come alive and seems inhospitable to its occupants. Like the conspiracy in the story, the very environment seems to conspire against Woo-sung. Even the most mundane act like Woo-sung gambling with crypto, adds a sense of thrill and keeps viewers on edge. The first act is basically a one-man show and Ha-neul keeps us hooked with his nervous and manic anti-hero. Right when things slow down, another plot twist shows up. There are strange happenings like 1301 holding a blade to a mysterious figure supposedly breaking into Woo-sung's home. It is followed by a surreal montage which is bound to have viewers wondering what is real and what is Woo-sung's imagination. As the noise and the neighbours get to him, the movie becomes very clear in its message on how greedy and capitalistic society has become. But the plot gets predictable and dull when the first clue to the culprits is revealed at the midway mark. It even gets a little righteous and convoluted during the climax, followed by a confusing and vague ending. The anti-capitalistic message holds but there is no big impact or payoff. The cast does its best to pile onto the surrealism but the narrative doesn't trust viewers to follow its conclusion. Instead, Seo Hyeon-woo is forced to become the director's mouthpiece and explain everything that has been going on, step by step. Yeom Hye-ran is wasted as well, as her beguiling landlord is sidelined before succumbing to an overused trope. Viewers may have tuned in courtesy of the premise which is quite reminiscent of Strangers from Hell. There are hints of supernatural elements too, similar to Happiness, #Alive or Sweet Home Season 1. Drama around apartment politics is not a new genre and the limited, cramped space is perfect for thrillers and murder mysteries. So, it is no wonder that expectations were high. Wall to Wall had quite the potential to amp up the psychological trauma and mind games. However, it is unable to make up its mind on which route to take, as evident in the clashing motivations and the hasty resolution. While the first act is enticing and Kang Ha-neul is a treat to watch, the second half and its ending are bound to disappoint viewers. Read More: Wall to Wall Ending Explained
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kang Ha Neul's ‘Wall to Wall' update: Here is all you need to know this thriller film
Kang Ha Neul 's latest endeavour, 'Wall to Wall', has been creating a lot of buzz. The film delves into the themes of an ordinary life, exploring how financial issues, isolation and other struggles can impact an individual. Here is all you need to know about the thriller film's release before it drops globally. About 'Wall to Wall' The story of the 1 hour and 58 minute long film revolves around Kang Ha Neul's character, named No Woo Sung. He plays the role of an office-going employee who takes all of his life savings, which include the money he managed to make from his mother's farm, and buys an 84-square-meter Korean apartment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo He hopes for a peaceful and quiet life in his new home, but strange occurrences quickly disrupt his tranquility. Unsettling noises echoing through the apartment complex increasingly agitate him, leading to tense confrontations with his neighbors. Driven to find a resolution, he teams up with another resident to uncover the source of the disturbances and put an end to the nuisance once and for all. The cast of 'Wall to Wall' The thriller project is being headed by Kang Ha Neul, who is known for his acting prowess. He has worked on a lot of popular projects such as 'Tastefully Yours', 'Curtain Call'. 'River Where the Moon Rises' and 'When the Camellia Blooms'. One of his most well-known roles lately comes from seasons 2 and 3 of the hit OTT series, 'The Squid Game'. Other people joining the cast include Yeom Hye Ran, Seo Hyeon Woo, and Jeon Jin Oh. Kim Tae Joon, who is known for his OTT hit film ' Unlocked ' is the director of the upcoming film. When and where can you watch the film? The thriller project is all set to be released in a few hours today on the popular streaming platform Netflix and will be available for viewing globally.
Pink Villa
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Kang Ha Neul's Wall to Wall: Know release date, where to watch, cast, plot and more about the mystery thriller
Wall to Wall is a South Korean thriller movie, featuring Kang Ha Neul in the lead role. The story explores themes of financial struggle, isolation and the dark side of seemingly ordinary life. The plot revolves around a man who finally buys his dream apartment but finds it transformed into a nightmare due to unforeseen circumstances. Here are the latest updates on the release date, plot, character details, and streaming information of the film. Wall to Wall: Plot and Character Details The upcoming movie Wall to Wall follows the story of No Woo Sung (played by Kang Ha Neul), a 30-something office worker. He invests all his savings, loans and even money acquired from his mother's farm to purchase a 84-square-meter Korean apartment. Receiving the ownership of his own place felt like a dream come true to him, and he hopes for a happy life there. However, soon, the peace of his life gets snatched away by unexplainable happenings. The apartment was plagued by unsettling noises coming from within its walls, creating a sense of unease and resulting in insomnia for him. No Woo Sung's neighbors accused him of being the source of the noise, creating tension between them and forcing him to investigate the mystery himself. To know if he is able to uncover the truth behind the matter, you'll have to watch the movie yourself. Wall to Wall: Release date The psychological thriller movie is set to premiere on Netflix on Friday, July 18, 2025. This 1 hour and 58 minute-long film is directed by Kim Tae Joon, who previously made his mark on the OTT platform with the 2023 crime thriller film Unlocked. Wall to Wall: Supporting cast Seo Hyeon Woo plays the role of Yeong Jin Ho, a neighbor of No Woo Sung. As the suspicious noise begins to haunt the apartment, the two of them team up to solve the mystery behind it. Yeom Hye Ran stars as Jeon Eun Hwa, a resident representative of the apartment complex, who works towards maintaining harmony among the residents, for a peaceful living environment. Jeon Jin Oh plays the role of Jeon Gwang Cheol, a resident of Apartment 1301, who helps drive the plot forward.
UAE Moments
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Did Squid Game Season 3 Live Up to the Hype?
After the success of Squid Game Season 2, which was released after a hiatus of more than two years, fans had high expectations for the third and final season of the South Korean series; however, the series did not live up to fans' expectations. Rebellion Squashed, Games Resumed The third season picked up from the second season's conclusion when Seong Gi-hun's (Lee Jung-jae) rebellion falls apart after the death of his friend Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan). He is returned to the remaining players, and the games are resumed. The following games are deadlier than the last, including hide and seek, jump rope, and push, with the players left with no choice but to resume. However, given the vital plot twist in the last season, one expected that Seong Gi-hun would attempt an escape again, but he does not do so. He seeks revenge from Kang Dae-ho (Kang Ha-neul) and continues with the games in a defeated manner. He constantly tries to persuade the remaining players to avoid their brutal intentions, but he cannot change their decisions. If the writer and director, Hwang Dong-hyuk, wanted to resume the maniacal killing and relentless greed, he should have added these episodes to the previous season itself. There was no need to split this season into two because it was not worth it. The Women are Killed, But the Men Remain? Since the games were resumed, each player was eventually killed off like dominoes falling. However, it is still disappointing that the diverse cast is slowly being killed off, including the transgender woman Cho Hyun-ju (Park Sung-hoon), the pregnant woman Jun-hee (Kim Jun-hee), and the old mother Jang Geum-ja (Kang Ae-shim). First, the uprising is crushed, then the creator quickly rids the show of these characters who make it so far. Their survival challenges gender norms, but their death defeats the purpose they were introduced for in the first place. The fans have already understood the classist and the survival of the fittest themes of the series from the first season, why do the lessons need to be reinforced? The fans get the point. The rebellion gave Hwang Dong-hyuk the perfect opportunity to create a plotline where the players can possibly outsmart the games and make their escape, but he stuck to reinforcing the lessons from the first season. It does not make sense when Seong Ji-hun risks his life and returns to the game. He did not need to be a superhero, but why make him return only for a tragic ending? If nothing can change, why even try? The VIPs in Squid Game David Sayers, Jane Wong, Bryan Bucco, Jordan Lambertoni, and Kevin Yorn play VIPs who fund the games and get a chance to control how the games work in the final season. They revel in the violence of the games, like the VIPs from the first season. They dehumanize the players completely, enjoying their misery, but if the inhumanity of the wealthy has been shown in the first season, was there any need for it in the final season? No, because fans already know how brutal they can be. They introduce nothing new to the plot, and the opulence they lounge in while they watch the games is caricature-like. The Final Season's Subplots The police officer Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) continues his search for the island, but that subplot does not have a satisfying end either. Like Seong Ji-hun, Jun-ho is adamant on finding the island ending the games for good, but he also remains helpless in the end. Despite the shortcomings of the final season, Kang No-eul's (Park Gyu-young) subplot keeps viewers hooked and ends on a positive note, but it does not redeem the rest of the plot. The third season of 'Squid Game' was a terrible disappointment. There was a hint at an American version coming at the end of the season, which has raised fans' hopes. Nonetheless, viewers did not expect such a disappointing ending to this globally hit series.
