AR Grief Turns Nightmare: Lost Son Returns

In the fictional Musan City, a mother finds solace in augmented reality, using AR glasses to spend time with her son, who vanished nine years ago. Her grief-stricken routine is disrupted when her son returns, a grown stranger, twisting her virtual comfort into a terrifying experience. This is the premise of "Paradise Lost," the latest psychological thriller from director Yeon Sang-ho, known for "Train to Busan."

The film, which screened at major festivals and sold to 118 countries, stars Kim Hyun-joo as the mother and Bae Hyeon-seong as the returned son. Yeon views AI not just as technology but as a reflection of collective human knowledge and intelligence. He posits that while AI is built on shared patterns, its unpredictable nature makes it an uncharted, mysterious territory, akin to a black hole.

Yeon drew inspiration from Milton's "Paradise Lost," suggesting that the loss of paradise marks the beginning of human identity. Unlike his previous work "Jung_E," which used AI in an idealized context, "Paradise Lost" grounds AI as a contrast to explore uniquely human elements. The film, made on a lean budget of KRW500 million over 14 shooting sessions, benefited from its constraints, fostering creative exploration and focus.

Discussing Korea's evolving theatrical industry, Yeon acknowledges market shifts but remains optimistic about creating great films. He notes that international sales covered the film's net production budget before its release. CJ ENM's active international partnerships are crucial in ensuring Korean films find global audiences, regardless of their commercial success. Yeon is also working on a Japanese-language Netflix series and a horror feature titled "Devotion."