Concrete Utopia Review – IGN

Concrete Utopia, South Korea’s official Oscar entry for 2023, takes place in the last remaining apartment block in Seoul after an apocalyptic earthquake ravages the city. The film uses a single high-rise building as a symbol of human society, portraying a cynical view that people are selfish, violent, and prone to cruelty. Director Um Tae-hwa’s perspective paints a grim picture of human nature, drawing parallels to Lord of the Flies.

The story revolves around a young couple, Min-seong and Myeong-hwa, who clash over how to handle refugees seeking shelter in the aftermath of the quake. Myeong-hwa, a nurse, is committed to helping the sick and suffering, while Min-seong is more ambivalent, especially when aligning with the quasi-fascist Anti-Crime Force. The character of interim resident representative Yeong-tak is slowly revealed to be a desperate, power-hungry figure within the building.

The film presents snappy, quick-cutting vignettes that map out the system that sustains the Imperial Palace Apartments, offering a functional and immersive world within the building. The story prompts viewers to consider the difficult choices the characters face, sometimes with a touch of black humor. At its worst, the film is criticized for being too obvious in its portrayal of societal dynamics.

Based on a webtoon, Concrete Utopia displays its episodic origins through its overlapping characters and storylines. Director Um’s style is characterized by dynamic compositions and aggressive color grading, creating a polished and dramatic atmosphere. However, the film’s expansive allegory can be overwhelming, with a dense narrative and intricate visuals adding to the sense of weight.

Despite its complexity, the film remains focused on portraying human nature as the true disaster. The layers of characters, action, and symbolism demonstrate the depth of the allegory, albeit with a heavy and at times burdensome impact on the viewer.