Korean Horror Thriller Holds Strong for Second Week, Gains Acclaim at Cannes Film Festival

photo provided by its local distributor Lotte Entertainment

In a resounding success for director Jason Yu, his debut film "Sleep" continues to reign at the top of the local box office for the second consecutive week, crossing the remarkable milestone of 1 million cumulative viewers. This revelation is based on the latest data released on Monday, highlighting the enduring appeal of this Korean horror thriller.

Over the weekend, "Sleep" drew a substantial audience, with 313,000 viewers attending screenings between Friday and Sunday. This figure accounted for a significant 38.7 percent of the box office sales during the weekend, affirming the film's widespread popularity among moviegoers. Impressively, the low-budget production achieved the monumental feat of reaching 1 million admissions on its 12th day since release, surpassing the break-even point set at approximately 800,000 admissions.

The movie, featuring stellar performances by Lee Sun-kyun and Jung Yu-mi, delves into the unsettling narrative of newlyweds whose lives take a horrifying turn as the husband exhibits peculiar and chilling behavior while asleep. This eerie tale has captivated audiences and garnered significant attention not only locally but also on the international stage.

"Sleep" was showcased at the Cannes Critics' Week section during the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, focusing on the inaugural and sophomore works of emerging directors. This exposure at a prestigious international platform further underscores the film's impact and its recognition as a compelling cinematic endeavor.

Sayart.net 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com