The Housemaid: IM Sang-soo’s remake of a classic thriller tells, at a high level, the same story as the original: a young, newly hired housemaid starts an affair with the husband of the house, an ultra-wealthy businessman. This film, however, switches a few things: telling the story from the point-of-view of the maid and transforming her into a good-natured, upbeat, and sympathetic character, the story allows for a good deal of social critique. JEON Do-youn plays the main character with a mix of bright-eyed innocence and increasing despair, as needed; LEE Jung-jae irradiates soft power as the husband; YOUN Yuh-jung, as the conflicted but imperious housekeeper, is quite good. Cinematographer LEE Hyung-deok’s work is inventive, dynamic, and elegant. Editor LEE Eun-soo gives the film a nice rhythm, slowly building up the story’s perversity. Composer KIM Hong-jip contributes with a fine musical score.

Read also: The Housemaid (Hanyeo – 1960)