The most enthusiastic standing ovation among Cannes film festival films, acquired by Neon for US distribution and Mubi for global release, tells its tale of aliens landing in a North Korea-South Korea DMZ village.
The big budget sci-fi action allegory , in which aliens touch down in a rural village called Hope Harbor near the demilitarized zone separating North and South Korea, received what may be the most enthusiastic and prolonged standing ovation of any film playing in competition this festival.
The audience inside the Grand Théâtre Lumière cheered for six minutes straight, offering a good sign that this crowd-pleaser, which was acquired by Neon for U.S. distribution in early April, and by Mubi fordistribution, should be a commercial success. Though the film’s length, at a solid two hours and 40 minutes, could prove a challenge.
“Thank you for staying for such a long movie,” Na told the Cannes crowd after the screening. 'Hope' Review: Korean Action Maestro Na Hong-jin's Rip-Roaring Sci-Fi Creature Feature Has Instant Cult Classic Written All Over ItCanal+ Head Says He Will Blacklist Talents Who Petitioned Against Right-Wing Billionaire Owner To say too much would spoil the fun of a movie whose twists and turns you’ll never see coming.
But those of us who sawpremiere out of competition at Cannes 10 years ago, like I did, and became instant Na Hong-jin converts, will recognize its rhythms. The director has a flare for mysteries and cinematography that feels elemental, and that shamanistic horror film made audiences feel like they were chasing possessed family members around huts with dirt floors themselves.
) spar with an international cast featuring Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell and Mindhunter’s Cameron Brittona, none of whom are recognizable when they first appear onscreen.
“It’s a great feeling to know from a movie’s first frames that you’re in the hands of an assured genre auteur,” Rooney wrote. “The rare action thriller that takes place almost entirely in broad daylight, ‘Hope’ Review: Korean Action Maestro Na Hong-jin’s Rip-Roaring Sci-Fi Creature Feature Has Instant Cult Classic Written All Over ItThe Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2026 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Korean Action Genre Auteur Sci-Fi Action Allegory Prolonged Standing Ovation Best Received Film At Cannes Grizzly Rage Na Hong-Jin Michael Fassbender Alicia Vikander Taylor Russell Cameron Brittona Possessed Family Members
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