4PM

A darkly comic Korean thriller about an older couple moving into the countryside hoping for a peaceful life, only for their idyll to be interrupted by a nosy neighbor who shows up at 4PM every day...

An interesting take on the "weird neighbor" trope, this modest but solidly made film takes its time to properly get going. There's an emphasis on subtle humor once the neighbor shows up for the first few times; the couple find him curious but harmless, while low-key hoping for him not to show up the next day. But he does, inexplicably doing so by coming and going at the exact same times. This unpleasant situation starts taking its toll on the couple, leading to increasingly violent outbursts.

Throughout this film, I was reminded of a Danish horror called Speak No Evil, which also explored how being mannered and passive in the face of an unwanted element leads to an unpleasant outcome. While the neighbor character in this film isn't a simple villain, his refusal to engage in any conversation, while rudely refusing to leave, turns him into a serious nuisance. The situation changes a bit as the film reaches its conclusion, but the plot also loses steam and becomes something less remarkable than initially promised. Not so much as to ruin the peculiar mood, but there remains a nagging sense of expectations not being fulfilled.

Despite the runtime being a bit overlong, this is still an intriguing slow-burn that blends thriller and comedy in an effective way, and deserves to be seen by a wider audience.

It's a fine film. It moves slowly and some of the early scenes feel a bit drawn out. It's understandable why the director would make certain things uncomfortably long, because we can feel a bit like the protagonists.

The overall concept of a couple receiving the same peculiar guest every day and being unable to say no is delightful, but there's only so much that can be done with it.

I found the recurring theme music overly familiar, which did not help my viewing. And by the time the credits rolled, it simply felt like a decent watch.

Admittedly I didn't understand much of the meaning of the movie while watching it. But despite not being very impressive, the story stayed with me. And perhaps the most joy I got out of the movie was during this period afterwards, when I suddenly had a revelation about the ending of the movie, and then about the beginning of the movie, and suddenly all the pieces fit.

4PM is a Korean psychological thriller that thrives on silence, discomfort, and the slow unraveling of polite social norms. The premise is strikingly original, quietly unsettling without relying on traditional horror tropes. The film builds tension through an unusual daily ritual, drawing viewers into a web of unease and emotional repression.

One of the movie's biggest strengths is its atmosphere. The cinematography, pacing, and use of silence create a claustrophobic tension that lingers long after the credits roll. It cleverly explores themes like grief, social boundaries, and hidden trauma.

However, the execution falls short of its potential. The story raises intriguing questions but leaves too many unanswered, making it feel incomplete. Characters remain underdeveloped, and certain visual clues hint at deeper narratives that are never explored. This ambiguity may feel intentional but ends up being more frustrating than thought-provoking.

4PM is worth watching for its unique concept and eerie vibe, but viewers looking for a satisfying payoff or clear narrative resolution might be left wanting more.

This quirky comedy had me laughing uncontrollably from start to finish, blending sharp wit with unexpected warmth. The premise is delightfully absurd, and the execution is flawless, making it one of those rare films that feels both fresh and timeless.

The professor, played with impeccable comedic timing, is the beating heart of the movie. Their eccentric energy and pitch-perfect delivery elevate every scene, making even the most mundane moments side-splittingly funny. One standout scene that had me in stitches was when the clock ticked past 4 PM, and the characters erupted into this infectious, almost manic joy because the doctor didn't show up. Their over-the-top excitement was so perfectly absurd, it's still stuck in my head.

Every element-writing, pacing, and cast-comes together to make 4PM a rare find in Korean cinema. It's a hilarious, feel-good ride that leaves you grinning long after the credits roll. If you're looking for a comedy that's equal parts clever and chaotic, this is it. Don't sleep on this masterpiece!