In recent years, South Korean independent cinema has been taking the world by storm. Just look at Past Lives – a hidden gem of the country’s cinema. Another interesting film that is worth one’s attention is Lim Oh-jeong‘s Hail to Hell. Screened at this year’s London Korean Film Festival, the compelling film takes us on a bumpy ride through the unexpected.

The film depicts the story of Na-mi (Oh Woo-ri) and Sun-woo (Bang Hyo-rin), two high-school outcasts seeking revenge on the tormentor of their miserable lives, Chae-rin (Jung Yi-ju). What begins as a darkly humorous exploration of personal vengeance transforms into an unexpected journey of hope, optimism, and self-discovery. 

Hail to Hell kicks off with a dry yet painful depiction of school bullying, setting the stage for Na-mi and Sun-woo’s desperate decision to end their lives. However, news about Chae-rin’s seemingly prosperous life in Seoul sparks a sudden change of plans. The duo sets off to exact revenge before their intended suicide, only to find Chae-rin immersed in a small Christian community, seeking forgiveness for her past actions. 

Lim Oh-jeong cleverly navigates between dark humour and genuine emotion as Na-mi and Sun-woo grapple with the unforeseen transformation of their nemesis. Chae-rin’s newfound devotion to Christianity adds complexity to their quest, leading to humorous hesitations and unexpected twists. The filmmaker skilfully shifts the narrative into thriller territory, maintaining a dark sense of humour while exploring the human dynamics among the three women. As the plot unravels, a hidden secret behind Chae-rin’s Christian community adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. 

The film doesn’t lose its comedic touch throughout the watch, keeping the audience engaged with the characters’ awkward attempts at vengeance. Na-mi and Sun-woo’s evolving relationship, revealed through conflicts and camaraderie, adds depth to their characters, making the final act a splendid and balanced blend of comedy and thriller. The success of Hail to Hell is undoubtedly bolstered by the impressive performances of its lead cast. Oh Woo-ri and Bang Hyo-rin flawlessly complement each other, with Oh Woo-ri’s directness contrasting Bang Hyo-rin’s quiet strength. The chemistry between the two leads provides numerous laughs as their characters navigate the complexities of their revenge mission. Jung Yi-ju’s portrayal of Chae-rin adds a layer of constant ambiguity, keeping us guessing about her true intentions. 

Looking at the independent films of 2023, Hail to Hell emerges as one of the highlights of the year, presenting Lim Oh-jeong as a noteworthy filmmaker to watch. While Na-mi and Sun-woo may not be immediately likeable, the film’s achievement lies in making the audience root for them while appreciating their journey of self-discovery.

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Written by Maggie Gogler

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