Thirst (2009)

Detailed Summary

Introduction: The Selfless Priest

The story follows Sang-hyun (played by Song Kang-ho), a devoted Catholic priest who volunteers for an experiment aimed at curing a deadly virus known as the Emmanuel Virus (EV). Despite his strong faith and desire to help others, the experiment goes horribly wrong. Sang-hyun is one of the few survivors but soon discovers that the treatment has transformed him into a vampire.

The Transformation: The Struggle with Bloodlust

Sang-hyun’s transformation into a vampire comes with overwhelming guilt. His faith clashes with his newfound need for blood, leading to an internal struggle. He initially resists his bloodlust, even attempting suicide, but he realizes that his vampiric abilities (super strength, rapid healing) make him nearly immortal.

His moral dilemma escalates when he meets Tae-ju (Kim Ok-bin), the wife of a sickly childhood friend. Sang-hyun becomes drawn to her, and a twisted romance begins to form. Tae-ju, who is trapped in a loveless and abusive marriage, sees in Sang-hyun a chance for liberation. She quickly embraces his vampiric side, leading to violent consequences.

The Affair and Descent Into Madness

As Sang-hyun and Tae-ju’s affair intensifies, they both start to unravel mentally. Sang-hyun, tormented by his sins and moral conflicts, continues to feed on blood secretly. Tae-ju, on the other hand, becomes increasingly bloodthirsty and manipulative. She convinces Sang-hyun to murder her husband, setting off a series of dark and tragic events.

This phase of the film turns into a thrilling combination of eroticism, guilt, and horror, with Park Chan-wook’s signature dark humor sprinkled throughout.

Sang-hyun’s Guilt and Tae-ju’s Descent

After Tae-ju’s husband’s death, the weight of their sins crushes Sang-hyun. Unlike Tae-ju, who revels in her new vampiric nature, Sang-hyun is consumed by remorse. Their relationship deteriorates into one of violence and manipulation, with Sang-hyun trying to control Tae-ju’s bloodlust. This leads to an inevitable climax in which the two must face the consequences of their actions.

The Tragic Finale

In the movie’s heartbreaking and symbolic final moments, Sang-hyun takes drastic action to end the cycle of violence. He drives Tae-ju to a remote location and forces her to watch the sunrise with him, effectively committing a joint suicide in one of the most visually stunning and poignant endings in vampire cinema.

Movie Ending

The ending of Thirst is both tragic and redemptive. Sang-hyun, burdened by guilt, chooses to end his life and take Tae-ju with him in a final act of sacrifice. As the sun rises, both characters burn away into ashes, marking the end of their tortured existence.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

There is no post-credits scene, leaving the film’s conclusion firmly closed.

Type of Movie

Thirst is a horror-drama that combines elements of vampire mythology, romantic tragedy, and psychological thriller. It delves deeply into the moral and philosophical implications of its characters’ choices, making it more of an introspective horror film than a typical genre entry.

Cast

• Song Kang-ho as Sang-hyun, the conflicted priest-turned-vampire.
• Kim Ok-bin as Tae-ju, the manipulative woman who embraces her vampiric nature.
• Shin Ha-kyun as Kang-woo, Tae-ju’s sickly husband.
• Kim Hae-sook as Lady Ra, Tae-ju’s oppressive adoptive mother.

Film Music and Composer

The haunting score for Thirst was composed by Jo Yeong-wook, a frequent collaborator of Park Chan-wook. The music beautifully enhances the film’s eerie atmosphere, balancing moments of quiet contemplation with more intense, blood-chilling sequences.

Filming Locations

Thirst was primarily filmed in various locations across South Korea. Many scenes are set in the claustrophobic, domestic spaces of Tae-ju’s home, which heightens the film’s tension and gives it an intimate, almost theatrical feel.

Awards and Nominations

• Jury Prize at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, marking Park Chan-wook’s continued success at international film festivals.
• Blue Dragon Film Award for Best Actress (Kim Ok-bin), recognizing her performance as Tae-ju.
• Nominated for several South Korean film awards for Best Actor (Song Kang-ho) and Best Director (Park Chan-wook).

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Park Chan-wook initially conceived the movie as a commentary on the conflict between religion and temptation.
• The intense chemistry between Song Kang-ho and Kim Ok-bin was carefully cultivated, with the two actors discussing their characters’ deep psychological connection.
• Many of the film’s gory and erotic scenes pushed boundaries even by South Korean cinema standards.

Inspirations and References

The movie is loosely inspired by the classic novel “Thérèse Raquin” by Émile Zola, which also features themes of adultery, murder, and guilt. Park Chan-wook reimagines the story with a supernatural twist, using vampirism as a metaphor for unchecked desire and moral corruption.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There have been no publicly revealed alternate endings for Thirst. Park Chan-wook is known for his meticulous planning, so it is unlikely that the ending we see was ever seriously altered.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Thirst is not based on a book but does take inspiration from Émile Zola’s “Thérèse Raquin”. While the novel deals with a doomed affair and murder, the film amplifies these themes with the introduction of vampires and explores the idea of supernatural damnation.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Sang-hyun discovering his vampiric abilities after the failed experiment.
• The graphic and disturbing murder of Tae-ju’s husband.
• The sunrise suicide finale, where both Sang-hyun and Tae-ju meet their end.

Iconic Quotes

• Sang-hyun: “There is no salvation without suffering.”
• Tae-ju: “You’ve turned me into a monster, and now you want me to be a saint?”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The church and religious iconography throughout the film serve as symbolic representations of Sang-hyun’s inner conflict between his faith and his vampiric nature.
• The stark contrast between the bright, sterile hospital where Sang-hyun undergoes his experiment and the dark, shadowy rooms of Tae-ju’s home underscores the duality of life and death.

Trivia

• Thirst is the first Korean film to feature explicit vampire sex scenes.
• Park Chan-wook specifically chose Song Kang-ho because of his ability to express deep internal conflict without needing dialogue.
• The film’s Korean title, “Bakjwi”, translates directly to “Bat,” another subtle reference to vampirism.

Why Watch?

Thirst is an exceptionally crafted vampire film that offers more than blood and horror. It’s a deep exploration of faith, guilt, and desire, masterfully told by one of the best directors in modern cinema. If you enjoy horror that delves into human psychology and morality, this movie is for you.

Director’s Other Movies

• Oldboy (2003)
• The Handmaiden (2016)
• Lady Vengeance (2005)
• Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002)
• Joint Security Area (2000)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Let the Right One In (2008)
• Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
• A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
• Byzantium (2012)
• Interview with the Vampire (1994)