212 - Parasite

It's one of José's films of the year; it leaves Mike cold. Bong Joon-ho's Parasite depicts social inequality in South Korea through a lower-class family that cons its way into working for an upper-class family. We pick our way through the film's structure; its motif of staircases that delineate status and power relations; the way poverty carries with it an inescapable smell, intolerable to the upper class; the two families' experiences of nature and the desire for sunshine. It builds on some aspects of horror, but cannot at all be considered one, either in genre or affect - though the fact that its trailers sold it as such might have something to do with Mike's frosty response. It's an allegorical thriller, every character standing in place of a class or group of people, and its construction is intelligent, thoughtful and tight. For José, it works on a visceral level, the mood and tone emphasising and combining with the structure and metaphor; for Mike, it's a flat experience, a clever essay with definite interpretations and little feeling. But it's clearly touched a nerve, connecting with worldwide audiences. It speaks not just to conditions in South Korea but a global system of oppression and inequality under capitalism. We may not agree on what it makes us feel, but it's potent food for thought and offers much to discuss. Don't miss it. Also in this episode, we take a look at the upcoming Oscars, which eager cinephiles will be able to watch yesterday. Recorded on 9th February 2020.