Burning 2021
Directed by
Eva Orner
Made by
Amazon Prime Video
Plot Summary
Lee Jong-su, an ambitious young writer, juggles various odd jobs in bustling Seoul until fate leads him to cross paths with Shin Hae-mi, a former neighbor and classmate, during an event where he is making a delivery. Although Jong-su initially struggles to recall her, Hae-mi reveals that she has undergone plastic surgery, which prompts a connection. He gifts her a pink watch he won at the event, and soon after, she shares her plans for a trip to Africa, asking Jong-su to look after her cat, Boil, during her absence. However, Jong-su’s life takes a turn when his father, a cattle farmer in Paju, gets embroiled in troubling legal issues, compelling Jong-su to return to the farm.
While tending to Hae-mi’s apartment to care for her cat, Jong-su finds himself increasingly drawn to her memory, often indulging in solitude and his own thoughts in her space. He never sees Boil, but assumes the cat is present due to evidence around the apartment. Out of the blue, Hae-mi calls him, revealing that her journey in Africa has taken a dark turn as she was stranded at Nairobi Airport after a nearby bombing. When he meets her upon her return, she introduces him to Ben, a charismatic man she encountered during the crisis, and the trio heads out for a dinner where Hae-mi unveils her desire to vanish from it all.
As the story unfolds at Jong-su’s farm, a bond forms over shared moments of joy and cannabis, but the dynamics shift when Hae-mi dances topless in front of the men. Afterward, Ben makes a chilling revelation about his peculiar hobby of burning abandoned greenhouses every couple of months, hinting at the many greenhouses that surround Jong-su’s home. When Jong-su expresses concern for Hae-mi’s well-being after an unsettling phone call and her abrupt disappearance, his inquisitive nature pushes him to investigate further. He becomes suspicious of Ben and begins to question both Ben’s intentions and his connection to Hae-mi.
Jong-su’s hunt leads him to Hae-mi’s eerily pristine apartment, devoid of any trace of her cat. He starts shadowing Ben, hoping to uncover the truth, only to confront him about Hae-mi’s whereabouts at a restaurant. Ben, seemingly aloof, denies knowing anything about her and throws Jong-su into a spiral of paranoia and jealousy, suggesting that Jong-su was the only one Hae-mi trusted in her life.
As tensions mount, Jong-su finds himself outside Ben’s apartment one day, where he is invited up. To his shock, he discovers a new cat in Ben’s possession—one that bears a striking resemblance to Boil. The unsettling discovery of a pink watch, identical to the one he gave Hae-mi, hidden among other women’s jewelry only stirs Jong-su’s rage.
Faced with the ultimate betrayal, Jong-su’s emotional turmoil peaks during a fateful encounter in the countryside, culminating in a violent confrontation. Overwhelmed by despair, he stabs Ben to death before setting both the body and the car ablaze, erasing any remnants of the life they shared. In a haunting conclusion, he drives off into the night, forever changed by the events that unfolded.
Timeline
Chance Encounter
Lee Jong-su, an aspiring writer, unexpectedly meets Shin Hae-mi, a former classmate, while making a delivery in Seoul. Despite initially struggling to remember her, Hae-mi reveals her newly altered appearance due to plastic surgery, creating a moment of rekindled connection.
Gift of a Watch
To commemorate their reconnection, Jong-su gifts Hae-mi a pink watch he won at the event. This gesture signifies the budding affection and interest he has for her, establishing a connection that is both sentimental and meaningful.
Hae-mi's Journey
Hae-mi shares her plans to travel to Africa, requesting Jong-su to look after her cat, Boil, during her absence. This request indicates her trust in Jong-su and also hints at his deepening emotional involvement in her life.
Return to the Farm
Jong-su's life takes a challenging turn when he learns that his father, a cattle farmer in Paju, has encountered legal troubles. He decides to return to the farm to assist his family, diverting his attention away from Hae-mi.
Caring for Boil
While Hae-mi is away, Jong-su tends to her apartment under the pretense of looking after Boil. As he spends time alone in her space, he becomes increasingly consumed by his memories of her, reflecting on their fleeting moments together.
A Dark Phone Call
Hae-mi calls Jong-su with alarming news about her trip to Africa. She reveals that she is stranded at Nairobi Airport following a nearby bombing, showcasing the dangers she faces and heightening Jong-su's concern for her safety.
The Trio's Dinner
Upon Hae-mi's return, she introduces Jong-su to Ben, the charismatic man she met during her ordeal in Africa. Their dinner becomes a critical moment where Hae-mi expresses her desire to escape her current life, leaving both Jong-su and Ben unsettled.
A Creepy Revelation
During a bonding moment at Jong-su's farm, Ben reveals his hobby of burning abandoned greenhouses. This disconcerting admission unsettles Jong-su, planting seeds of doubt about Ben's character and intentions towards Hae-mi.
Rising Suspicion
Concerned for Hae-mi's well-being after hearing her distressed voice, Jong-su begins to investigate Ben's background. His growing suspicion leads him to question the bond between Ben and Hae-mi, igniting a sense of jealousy and paranoia.
Uncovering the Truth
Jong-su heads to Hae-mi's apartment, where he finds disturbing evidence indicating her absence. He realizes that Boil is nowhere to be found, and the sterile condition of the apartment leads him to fear for her safety.
Confrontation with Ben
Jong-su confronts Ben at a restaurant, demanding to know Hae-mi's whereabouts. Ben's cold dismissal and cryptic comments deepen Jong-su's sense of betrayal and spiraling emotions, pushing him further into despair.
The Cat's Resemblance
When Jong-su visits Ben's apartment, he finds a cat that closely resembles Boil. This shocking discovery, coupled with the sight of the pink watch Jong-su gave Hae-mi among Ben's belongings, sends him into a rage-filled panic.
Violent Showdown
The tension culminates in a tragic confrontation in the countryside, where Jong-su, overwhelmed with emotion, stabs Ben. This act of violence marks a harrowing turning point in Jong-su's character, leading him down a dark path of remorse and desperation.
Covering Tracks
After the stabbing, Jong-su sets Ben's body and the car ablaze, attempting to erase every trace of the confrontation and their intertwined lives. This drastic action symbolizes his internal struggle and the lengths he will go to escape his reality.
Driving into the Night
In the haunting final moments, Jong-su drives off into the night, forever altered by the events that have transpired. This act signifies his retreat from the life he once knew, burdened by guilt and loss.
Characters
Lee Jong-su
Lee Jong-su is an ambitious young writer grappling with feelings of inadequacy and longing. His character evolves from a hopeful romantic to a man consumed by jealousy and paranoia, struggling to maintain control over his life and relationships. As events unfold, Jong-su’s vulnerability becomes evident, leading him to a tragic conclusion.
Shin Hae-mi
Shin Hae-mi is a complex character who embodies the allure of mystery and the fragility of human connections. Her journey, from an excited traveler to a victim of manipulation, underscores her deeper struggles hidden beneath her charming exterior. Hae-mi's actions lead to pivotal changes in Jong-su's life, influencing the story's tragic trajectory.
Ben
Ben is a charismatic yet unsettling figure, whose charm masks a darker side. His enigmatic interests, particularly in burning greenhouses, hint at underlying complexities that distort the traditional image of a friend. The duality of his character ultimately serves as the catalyst for Jong-su's descent into paranoia and violence.
Setting
Time period
The story unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues like relationships and the impact of globalization. The presence of technology and changing lifestyles illustrate the challenges and complexities faced by individuals in today's world.
Location
Seoul, Paju, Nairobi
The movie takes place primarily in bustling Seoul, a vibrant city known for its modern architecture and rich culture. Paju, a rural area, serves as Jong-su's family cattle farm, contrasting the urban life he leads. Nairobi is briefly mentioned, highlighting a tragic event that shapes Hae-mi's journey.
Themes
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme as Jong-su grapples with the loss of trust in those he cares about. Hae-mi's mysterious disappearance and Ben's unsettling interests lead Jong-su down a dark path of suspicion and jealousy. Ultimately, the emotional fallout of these betrayals propels Jong-su to commit acts that irrevocably alter his life.
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Isolation
Isolation pervades Jong-su's experience as he navigates his solitary life amidst urban chaos. His deep introspection, especially in Hae-mi's apartment, reveals how isolation can breed paranoia and obsession. This theme emphasizes the struggle between human connection and the loneliness that often accompanies it.
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Destruction
Destruction manifests both physically and emotionally, with the burning of greenhouses symbolizing deeper personal loss. Jong-su's violent reaction to betrayal leads to irreversible consequences, mirroring the destructive nature of his relationships. The climax captures a haunting transformation, underscoring how emotional turmoil can manifest in dire actions.
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