THIRST - THE HALLOWEEN HORRORS COLLECTION

By Guest Reviewer Rebecca Barr

Loosely based on the novel Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola, THIRST (2009) from Park Chan Wook adds a vampiric element to the adulterous tale of murder.

Catholic priest Sang-hyun (Song Kang-ho) volunteers to participate in a medical trial aiming to cure the deadly Emmanuel Virus. As the first surviving candidate, he finds people flock from all over just to be near him – craving his healing touch. He is dubbed ‘the bandaged saint’ and as his wounds heal, Sang-hyun also experiences acutely enhanced senses. Faint sounds appear amplified and his sensitive nose can pick up even delicate scents.

Though the novel focuses mainly on the adulterous relationship between the protagonist and the object of his affection, Park Chan Wook expands the tale by incorporating bloodlust to the characters sinful desires. Sang-hyun struggles with religious guilt over his impure thoughts, unable to reconcile his desires with his strict Catholic faith. Whilst vampirism has long been known as a metaphor for sexual liberation, Thirst manages to create a compelling narrative that doesn’t feel overdone.

The underlying romantic element is explored in the relationship between Sang-hyun and his friend’s wife Tae-ju (Kim Ok-bin). Common to Park Chan Wook’s work, Thirst includes some intensely passionate love scenes that feel integral to the story. As their relationship develops, the characters experience intensely personal representations of their guilt. Sang-hyun tries desperately to avoid feeding from live victims and Tae-ju is plagued by visions of the bloated corpse of her husband. 

Horror fans shouldn’t be put off by the underlying romance of the film, as it utilises enough disturbing imagery and blood to satiate any genre fan - and there isn’t a sparkle in sight. With some beautiful visuals and thought provokingly complex themes at play, Park Chan Wook’s bite of the genre is deliciously dark.

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