The essence of what makes us human is a complex and multi-layered pyramid of emotions, experiences, and moral choices. Human nature contains elements of both light and darkness and is often revealed during times of crisis, when the balance between empathy and selfishness can sway. The pressures of a crisis can bring out our instinct for self-preservation, sometimes leading to actions that prioritise personal survival over the well-being of others. In extreme cases, desperation can drive individuals to commit acts of brutality as a means to an end.

Director Tae-hwa Eom’s latest work, Concrete Utopia, shows just that. The ruins of a post-apocalyptic South Korea act as the allegorical backdrop for a complex exploration of societal responses to the crisis. In this new world, where an earthquake of cataclysmic proportions has left only one building standing, the film grapples with themes that are deeply rooted in modern society. Set against the grim scenery of the earthquake’s aftermath, the remaining inhabitants of the solitary building find themselves at a moral crossroads. As outsiders approach seeking refuge, the survivors must confront a challenging question: in a world of deficiency and weakening prospects, can humanity’s compassion endure? 

A compelling ensemble of characters represents a spectrum of behavioural reactions to the difficult situation. Park Bo-young portrays Myung-hwa, a nurse who ardently believes in extending a helping hand but faces the daunting task of challenging the prevailing isolationist mindset. Her husband, Min-sung, played by Park Seo-joon, grapples with his own moral dilemmas and must decide whether to acknowledge the problem that indirectly favours him within the system. On the opposite side stands a resolute and determined Yeong-tak, depicted by Lee Byung-hun, who becomes the leader of the building’s society and quickly imposes a new regime with the support of Kim Sun-young’s character, Keum-ae.

Director Eom, known for Vanishing Time: A Boy Who Returned, cleverly combines suspense with heart-rending reflections on human conduct in the face of a humanitarian crisis throughout this tiny society. Although Eom doesn’t add anything original to the storyline, the narrative takes unexpected turns as danger mounts with fading resources and moral quandaries intensify. While the main cast delivers outstanding performances, it is Lee Byung-hun’s character that carries the entire film.  

The impressive set design and visual effects create a startlingly realistic backdrop for the building’s microsociety. While delivering a decent survival narrative, Concrete Utopia’s characters, in some way, are a reflection of people that exist within our society, underscoring the complexity of human behaviour in times of crisis. The film also shows the duality of human nature, capable of both profound empathy and frightful selfishness. Although the work of Eom is fictional, the narrative itself truly demonstrates that human behaviour is often influenced by various factors, including upbringing, societal norms, and individual experiences. And while many of us hope to be compassionate rather than cruel during any serious crisis, understanding this complexity reminds us of the ongoing journey of self-discovery and self-improvement as we confront the inherent contradictions that define us as human beings. 

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Written by Maggie Gogler

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