“Psychokinesis” is a 2018 South Korean film that blends science fiction and action and is directed and written by Yeon Sang-ho. He is most famous for his zombie thriller called Train to Busan. In his new work “Psychokinesis,” Yeon shifts to a new genres still using his hallmark blend of emotional storytelling and social critique. Superhero movies are a dime a dozen, especially with their heartless and overused hollywood style. This one, however, offers something different. It is filled with emotion, and instead of action, it offers political commentary and a humorous look family and redemption.
Psychokinesis is set in modern Seoul. In it, an ordinary man struggles with balancing life and a telekinetic power while trying to reconnect with his separated daughter. Moreover, he is in opposition to corporate corruption. This film is set far from the bombastic style of Western superhero movies. It focuses on the supernatural theme and the lives of the working class. In this case, it is the community, family, and social justice.
Synopsis
The narrative begins with Shin Seok-heon, a security guard with an empty, lonely life. He is disengaged from life, epitomized by an excessive alcohol, ne’er do well attitude, and general apathy. One day while drinking from a mountain spring, Seok-heon’s drinking habits unknowingly bestow upon him telekinetic powers. Initially, he is bewildered by the changes to his body. He is now able to move objects, levitate, and mentally exert force. Having powers in his otherwise ordinary life is disconcerting.
Alongside his powers, he is met with distressing news of his estranged daughter, Shin Roo-mi, getting into trouble. Roo-mi is an independent and headstrong young woman, who owns a fried chicken shop in a traditional market in Seoul. The market is under assault from a construction company seeking to redevelop the area. The company has resorted to using hired thugs to violently and illegally force out tenants from their shops.
After Roo-mi’s mother, Seok-heon’s ex wife, is killed during a confrontation with the thugs, Roo-mi becomes the face of the resistance. The guilt of Seok-heon’s years of absence and the danger his daughter faces moves him to help, using his powers to aid her.
After this note, let’s dive into this unique superhero tale. Seok-heon’s training consists of controlling his newly found powers, learning to levitate, lift objects, and fight. Unlike most superheroes, he is awkward, inexperienced, and often hilarious in his attempts. But his willingness to protect Roo-mi and help the other vendors earns him their admiration and a second chance at fatherhood.
As the conflict mounts, Seok-heon is increasingly recognized as a champion of the working-class, to the point that it culminates in a head-to-head battle with corporate-sponsored enforcers. The film’s climax is the most visually stunning and emotionally resonant not because of grandiose effects, but the beautiful depiction of the courage of everyday people fighting for their rights with a sprinkle of fantasy.
Characters and Performances
Shin Seok-heon (Ryu Seung-ryong)
Ryu Seung-ryong’s portrayal of Seok-heon brings the character to life with a special blend of warmth and humor. Transforming a deadbeat father into, a rather reluctant, family man hero.he tenderly invests in the character’s absurd character arc draws some of his greatest warmth and sincerity as an actor in his moments with his children. Along with the powers, transforming Seok-heon’s character is learning to be a better man.
Shin Roo-mi (Shim Eun-kyung)
Shim Eun-kyung’s portrayal of Roo-mi is commanding and reliable. She is resourceful and takes initiative for the welfare of her people. Roo-mi manages to defy the Damsel in Distress trope as she frequently takes the initiative to protest and rallying the shop owners to her cause. Her relationship with her father is a blend of pain, deep-seated anger, and in the end, understanding.
Min (Park Jung-min)
Min is Roo-mi’s supportive friend and her legal counsel. As an attorney, he helps construct and navigate the legal and bureaucratic hurdles. He adds a layer of realism to the struggle as he points out the out corruption and abuses of power that lurk behind the law.
Corporate Antagonists
The film’s villains are not super villains wearing capes, but rather ruthless cold-hearted marketers and enforcers. Their use of violence and underhanded methods exemplify oppression class struggles, and institutionalized oppression. The most notable of these is the thuggish enforcers of the construction company, who epitomizes the use of violence to quash rebellion.
Themes and Social Commentary
The superhero genre is very much dominated by the use of entertaining material. Yet, in this film, the protagonist possesses the power of psychokinesis, and in doing so, the film delivers a harsh critique of modern social and economic issues. It revolves around a fight between a developer and local shop owners, and the conflict to an extent resembles current happenings in Korea, where rapid urban development has led to the removal of many small-scale businesses.
Redemption and family are also offered as themes worth exploring deeply. Seok-heon’s supernatural capabilities are only in service to his emotionally charged quest to reconnect with Roo-mi. The film reflects on relational erosion and embraces the empires of courage and care that can work toward their restoration.
There is also a pondering on power and responsibility, contrasting with the Western epithet: Seok-heon doesn’t see himself as chosen or as someone who comes bearing a burden. His powers don’t anoint him a savior—rather, they gift a means to do what is right. His journey is not to save the world, but to better himself, and embrace the role of a dutiful father.
The film also reflects on the strength of solidarity and grassroots resistance. Roo-mi leads her neighbors to organize media and legal campaigns as well as protests. These efforts are grounded in reality, made more potent with the aid of Seok-heon—never reduced to fantasy. The film pays homage to the unnamed heroes of the world, ordinary men and women who fight relentless and unjust oppression, without any magical powers.
Visions and Direction
Director Yeon Sang-ho fuses animation and live-action for a sleek and dynamic visual style. The telekinesis effects used in the movie are a blend of creativity and subtlety. The film has no need for a flashy display of superhero fighting; rather, it humorously centers on the inventive application of Seok-heon’s powers.
Scenes that portray the action include the levitation of objects, floating in mid-air, and slow-motion action. The humor used in the film is also physical and has great timing, creating an absurd but believable world that also evokes emotion.
The urban juxtaposition of traditional market stalls and sterile construction zones juxtaposition adds to the film’s thematic depth. The colors, lighting, and composition of a blend marked by sharp lines also highlight the culture and generation gap, reinforcing the need to preserve community in the face of modernization.
Reception and Impact
Psychokinesis was noted positively for its emotional depth, originality, and a new take on the superhero film. It is noted that while the film was not a huge box office success, it was successful on streaming platforms globally and was praised for being a breath of fresh air compared to dull and predictable Hollywood blockbusters.
The film was praised by critics for its heartfelt message and for its performances, particularly Ryu Seung-ryong and Shim Eun-kyung. Some expected a stronger focus on action, but much to their surprise, the film was character-driven and resonated with many.
Yeon Sang-ho’s reputation was already solidified by Train to Busan, but with this film, he proved he is willing to tackle sociopolitical themes.
Conclusion
Unlike most superhero films, Psychokinesis centers on a father and a daughter. The ‘superhero’ does not fight against alien invasions; rather, they battle a corrupt system that threatens to erase tradition for profit.
The film unequivocally contrasts the notion that a hero is born with superpowers. Flashy superhero media has dominated the industry and overshadowed the industry. Conversely, this film focused on ‘superheroes’ who do the right thing when times get tough. Through warmth, humor, and heart, the film sets itself apart with a grounded narrative and a message of hope.
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