Hope (2026) Review: Na Hong-jin's Divisive Monster Hunt

This Hope review starts with a warning: Na Hong-jin's new film divides people. It premiered in competition at Cannes to polarized reactions, and it is easy to see why. It is ambitious, loud and strange, and it does not always explain itself.

Hope Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Hope plot begins in a remote South Korean port town. A village police chief and his rookie deputy find themselves facing something nobody in the community has seen before. A mysterious creature threatens the locals, and a hunting party in the nearby mountains is pulled into the same danger.

That is the setup, and it is all you need. Writer-director Na Hong-jin builds a classic small-town siege and then pushes it toward sci-fi action and monster-movie territory. The film mixes drama with big genre set pieces, and it takes its time getting there.

The film has a long running time of 156 minutes in its final cut, a little shorter than the 160-minute version shown at Cannes. Expect a slow-building first act before the action takes over.

What Works in Hope

The best thing here is the energy. Common Sense Media praises the film's exhilarating, kinetic filmmaking, and the action scenes show a director who loves to keep the camera moving. When the film commits to a chase or a confrontation, it grabs you.

The humor is a pleasant surprise. The film has a wry comic streak that sits alongside the dread, which gives the villagers a human texture. It also keeps the tone from turning into plain gloom.

The isolated port-town setting is another strength. A small community cut off from help is a reliable engine for tension, and Na Hong-jin uses it well. If you like action movie reviews with a strong sense of place, this is a good fit.

Hope Cast and Performances

The Hope cast is led by Hwang Jung-min, a familiar face in Na Hong-jin's work. He is joined by Zo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon, Taylor Russell, Cameron Britton and Alicia Vikander. Michael Fassbender is also billed in the Wikipedia cast list.

The mix of Korean and international names gives the film a wide, ensemble feel. I could not verify character names from the sources available, so I will keep this section about the overall effect. The cast sells the fear and the dry humor, and the ensemble carries the film when the script gets murky.

For more details on the full credits, the Hope Wikipedia page) is a good starting point.

Where Hope Stumbles

The biggest complaint is clarity. Common Sense Media calls the storytelling confusing, and Deep Focus Review, which gave the film 2.5 out of 4 stars, criticizes the script's lack of clarity. It also describes one of the most dramatic downturns from a great movie to a disappointing one.

The same review is unhappy with the CGI. When a monster film depends on its creature effects, shaky visuals can pull you out of the experience.

So the film's problems are real:

• A script that can leave viewers lost

• Computer effects that do not always convince

• A long runtime that tests patience

The polarized Cannes response suggests these flaws bother some viewers far more than others.

Is Hope Worth Watching?

Yes, if you are curious about Na Hong-jin and can forgive a messy script. Is Hope worth watching for the spectacle alone? Probably, because the action is lively and the tone is distinctive. It is not a clean success, though.

Critics are generally positive overall, and JustWatch shows a 76% score, while IMDb users give it 6.6 from about 24,000 votes. That is a good but not glowing reception. I would call it a flawed, watchable and often thrilling ride.

If you want a tidy, easy-to-follow monster movie, look elsewhere. If you enjoy bold swings and can live with some confusion, it is worth your time.

Who Will Enjoy Hope

• Fans of Na Hong-jin and Korean genre cinema who like big, unusual ideas

• Viewers who enjoy monster movies with a dash of dark comedy

• Anyone who likes a polarizing film worth arguing about afterward