‘Concrete Utopia’ Movie Review [Fantastic Fest 2023]: A Serviceable Survivalist Drama
Photo from Fantastic Fest
From Jeff Nelson
Nothing brings out the worst in humanity more than a post-apocalyptic landscape, where resources are limited and social behavior as we know it is eradicated. Tae-hwa Eom’s Concrete Utopia explores the community that rises in the wake of the rubble and ashes, which Korea selected as their entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2024 Oscars.
A devastating earthquake hits Seoul, Korea, destroying nearly the entire city and killing countless residents. Min-seong (Park Seo-joon) and his wife, Myeong-hwa (Park Bo-young) are among the few survivors, living in the only apartment complex in Seoul to continue standing after the earthquake. The residents work together to create a new society to keep out unwanted guests seeking shelter in the high-rise, voting Yeong-tak (Lee Byung-hun) as their brave leader.
Concrete Utopia pits several dangers against the survivors beyond the collapsed infrastructure and no sign of help arriving, as the fatal cold leaves those without shelter facing certain death. The only standing apartment complex appears to be the only way to survive, creating privilege amongst those who already resided under its roof before the earthquake. After Yeong-tak is elected as the leader, they make the decision to only allow residents to remain in place, condemning all others to fend for themselves.
Social rules and politics go completely awry, as human morality pits a wedge between Min-seong and Myeong-hwa. Human nature is consistently put to the test, particularly when food rations whittle down. The power struggle is compelling, especially as it bleeds into Min-seong and Myeong-hwa’s marriage, establishing a layered ethical examination.
Concrete Utopia falls into certain genre tropes, especially where its antagonist is concerned, simplifying the struggle unfolding within the apartment complex, as well as outside of it. The action set pieces turn sufficiently brutal, appropriately demonstrating the dark side of humans fighting to survive by any means necessary. However, its central theme of classism within the social hierarchy isn’t quite as sharp as other dystopian thrillers, such as Snowpiercer.
The performances are convincing all around, although Park and Lee are the stand-outs as Myeong-hwa and Yeong-tak, respectively. She exudes empathy beyond her character’s actions, as it constantly reads in her eyes and the way that she interacts with other performers. Meanwhile, Lee has a certain intensity that frequently carries the film through its more substantial shortcomings.
Concrete Utopia doesn't do anything particularly new for the dystopian thriller sub-genre, but it’s consistently engaging and well-executed. The character dynamics and sociological themes vary in their success, although the ending leaves its audience with something to think about.
Rating: 3/5
Concrete Utopia played at Fantastic Fest 2023 on September 24th, 2023.
