Spicy, Sour, Sweet, New Yet Familiar Taste? Yoona X Ahn Bo-hyun's 'The Devil Has Arrived' Preview Review

What if the person you fell in love with at first sight is actually a devil? Set to be released on August 13, 〈The Devil Has Arrived〉 tells the story of a woman who appears normal during the day but transforms into a fierce devil at 2 AM, and the man who unexpectedly becomes responsible for her safety. This story, which is both ingenious and bizarre, piques curiosity with the name Lee Sang-geun attached. This film, directed by Lee Sang-geun, who previously showcased a unique 'disaster comedy' with 〈Exit〉, features Yoona and Ahn Bo-hyun. It steps up to the plate as the fourth unique genre film in this summer's theater lineup. Here’s a preview review after watching the advance screening of 〈The Devil Has Arrived〉 on August 6.

Lee Sang-geun's 'Yoona-Ahn Bo-hyun User Manual'

〈The Devil Has Arrived〉 follows the story of Gil-gu (Ahn Bo-hyun), who is unemployed after quitting his job, discovering that his new neighbor Sun-ji (Yoona) has a secret. Gil-gu, enchanted by Sun-ji's innocent appearance, encounters her completely transformed in the early morning. For a moment, he wonders if it was a dream, but he soon learns from his father Jang-su (Sung Dong-il) and cousin Ah-ra (Joo Hyun-young) that the devil inside Sun-ji awakens every dawn. Jang-su asks Gil-gu, who has a gentle demeanor, to keep an eye on Sun-ji every morning.

The standout aspect of 〈The Devil Has Arrived〉 is undoubtedly the chemistry between Ahn Bo-hyun and Yoona. Sun-ji, who must display completely different personalities during the day and night, comes to life thanks to Yoona's canvas-like charm. The dazzling 'Night Sun-ji', who no one can ignore, and the 'Day Sun-ji', exuding an innocence reminiscent of a romantic comic, are both effortlessly portrayed by Yoona. From styling to speech and gestures, she differentiates the two characters, supporting the core concept of 〈The Devil Has Arrived〉.

Ahn Bo-hyun is drawn to the ever-changing Sun-ji, but he also portrays Gil-gu, who drives the core narrative of the story, with steadfastness. Known for often playing masculine characters with a strong physique and defined features, Ahn Bo-hyun showcases the charm of a meticulous yet persistent introverted man in the role of Gil-gu. The fact that Gil-gu, who appears timid and easily swayed by others, feels so lovable is undoubtedly thanks to Ahn Bo-hyun's acting and charm.

In this process, the roles of Sung Dong-il and Joo Hyun-young serve as lubricants. Sung Dong-il quietly supports his daughter Sun-ji's early morning walks, while Ahn Bo-hyun's character is manipulated by Jang-su, who is portrayed with a unique character interpretation that reveals the traces of his past. Joo Hyun-young naturally embodies the wordplay characteristic of director Lee Sang-geun, presenting Ah-ra as a relatable character, adding stability to the film. The performances of both actors resonate with the theme of 'family' in the movie. However, since the two actors do not have a significant amount of screen time, it would be nice if the backstory of Sun-ji's family was revealed before Gil-gu meets them.

Once Again, a Story of Youth

Director Lee Sang-geun incorporates the struggles of youth into 〈The Devil Has Arrived〉, following his previous work 〈Exit〉. Although it is not prominently featured, the opening of the film, which briefly touches on why Gil-gu chose to be unemployed, is impressive. The complexities of life, the lack of rest, and the feeling that it is not my fault yet somehow feels like it is, are depicted in a montage of Gil-gu's character, reflecting both his personality and the concerns of young people in today's society.

Looking back, one of the reasons Lee Sang-geun's debut film 〈Exit〉 was well-received was because it captured the struggles of youth who could not enter society. The process of Yong-nam (Jo Jung-seok), who was ignored for not getting a job on time, proving his worth through climbing and recognizing himself, was the charm of 〈Exit〉. While 〈The Devil Has Arrived〉 is quite different, it shares a common thread in that a frustrated young person recognizes their worth through an event. This aspect of 〈The Devil Has Arrived〉 may lead to positive reviews from audiences after its release.

Director Lee Sang-geun's comedic sense remains intact. Unexpected lines, the rhythm of dialogue exchanged between characters, and montages that lead to expressions or situations evoke laughter from the audience. Additionally, the carefully considered styling and color palette enhance the enjoyment of watching the film throughout. Despite the main background of the film being the early morning when Sun-ji becomes a devil, there are few impressions of darkness, thanks to other elements continuously bringing forth a bright image.

However, 〈The Devil Has Arrived〉 does have some disappointing points. It does not maintain its characteristic vivacity until the end. In the latter half of the film, the tone shifts during the explanation of how the devil settled into Sun-ji. Although it was hinted at from the beginning, the transition to a stable development and tone compared to the unique and comedic first half made the film's charm feel diminished. The tension of caring for the devil dissipates, leaving behind a family drama. While it is not the typical melodramatic sentiment, it feels like a more commercially driven choice compared to the first half. Given that director Lee Sang-geun previously evoked both tension and the thrill of a growth drama based on comedy in 〈Exit〉, this jarring transition may stand out more. Additionally, it is somewhat disappointing that Jang-su and Ah-ra, who add momentum to the drama in the first half, become increasingly schematic in the latter half.

Ultimately, the success or failure of 〈The Devil Has Arrived〉 depends on how one accepts this point. The story, driven by the actors' excellent performances and delightful comedic sense, arriving at a typical drama may become a point of contention for 〈The Devil Has Arrived〉. However, this does not mean that the charm of 〈The Devil Has Arrived〉 evaporates. With Yoona showcasing a completely different charm and Ahn Bo-hyun displaying a 'strong exterior, soft interior' appeal, along with director Lee Sang-geun crafting a spicy, sour, sweet variety of comedy, and a narrative that evokes emotion without being overly stimulating, I am confident that 〈The Devil Has Arrived〉, set to release on August 13, will be a choice for many audiences of all ages, though I cannot guarantee it will be a great film for all of them.