There is an intriguing, tempered energy to Seo Yoo-min's directorial debut, “Recalled.” It frequently keeps its audience doubting what unfolds and consistently impresses with its twists and set-pieces. Topping the box-office upon its release, this psychological thriller is one that is instantly memorable.
“Recalled” is available from Echelon Studios
After an accident which left her hospitalised and with post-traumatic memory loss, Soo-jin (Seo Ye-ji) looks to restart her life, helped by her doting husband Ji-hoon (Kim Kang-woo). He protects her at all costs, attempting to carefully restore her memories bit by bit and reintegrate her into society. However, his wife soon becomes curious towards her self-identity and what powers she may have, thanks to some chance encounters with mysterious people, former friends, and the police, sparking insecurity and worry for Ji-hoon. These new interests and beliefs are dismissed as being down to temporary delusions from a doctor, but Soo-jin is convinced that things are not as they seem, and that her seemingly devoted partner may not be close to who he says he is.
There is a constant intensity to “Recalled,” one which is present in the opening scenes and never subsides until the end, ensuring that the audience continues to be both confused and curious. The breakneck pace helps, with the 99-minute runtime meaning that nothing feels overlong or drawn out, and that each reveal, moment of mystery or confrontation stays punchy and impactful. In turn, the film makes for a compelling watch, with a persistent feeling of urgency and fear lingering over the protagonist at all times, and thus excitingly translating back towards the viewer.
Additionally, the final twist, which aptly arrives during a frantic climax, is one that is genuinely shocking. Compounded by the fact it does actually make logical sense, director Seo Yoo-min delivers a near-perfect ending that draws out the emotion and vehemence necessary to emphatically draw a conclusion to proceedings. It may not have worked as well had Seo not afforded plenty of time to build her characters into emotionally unhinged people, all of whom feel somewhat permanently on-edge, so praise must be awarded to her commitment to strong characterisation which is rooted in her screenwriting past.
To the cast's credit, they too play an important part in the movie's success, by pulling off intricately worked parts seamlessly. Seo Ye-ji is outstanding as Soo-jin, a doubtful, distressed woman whose apprehension ruminates throughout each scene as she seeks to get to the bottom of her past and present. Seo's strong use of facial expressions and ability to give her character a grounded, but vulnerable, depth is a highlight, and goes a long way in making her character work so well within the confines of the plot. Kim Kang-woo is consummate too, never stealing the spotlight as the second-lead, but giving ample life to his depiction with a believable conviction and necessary emotion. Together, the two protagonists have commendable chemistry, without which the release would undoubtedly suffer.
Technically, everything is solid, with some good location work giving a visually appealing backbone to the unfolding plot. However, in a film which is largely reliant on good storytelling and the strength of its acting, nothing stands out as particularly noteworthy, which is actually a compliment rather than a critique.
“Recalled” is an occasionally breathless, repeatedly engaging psychological thriller. Hitting all the right notes when needed, it never fails to grab attention, and as a result is likely to be remembered fondly for a long time.
