[Fantasia ’24] ‘The Tenants’: South Korean dystopian thriller is oddly satisfying

Class, self-worth, pollution, and overpopulation are issues that are being dealt with today. Screening at the Fantasia Film Festival, The Tenants explores the same themes in a dystopian South Korean. Shin-dong works tirelessly, but still finds himself on the verge of being evicted from his small apartment. Thankfully, he is told about a loophole that will prevent him from being kicked out. All he has to do is rent out a room in his place. 

Though he is reluctant, Shin-dong also realizes he has few options. Since there are almost no housing options, it does not take long for an odd newlywed couple to look into the rental. Their decision to move into the bathroom is just the first in a series of strange occurrences that changes Shin-dong’s life permanently. 

The Tenants is a beautiful movie. Though there are visual clues it is set in the future, it has the look of a film noir from the past. The gorgeous black and white cinematography and stylish suits serve more than just an aesthetic, however. The plot tells a sinister story of a down on his luck – and not entirely kindhearted – protagonist dealing with the corrupt dealings of those above him. Nothing seems superfluous with each comment and shot adding to the overall tale being told.

The ending will catch audiences off guard. Just as things are getting stranger and more hopeless, Shin-dong finally seems to find a way out. The Tenants then takes a bleak turn that is part The Twilight Zone part Franz Kafka. It is an oddly satisfying finale that is not easy to explain but ends things perfectly.

The Fantasia International Film Festival takes places from July 18 – August 4. Check out the latest news HERE