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"Train to Busan director's latest mystery thriller, titled 'The Ugly', secures North American distribution via Well Go USA prior to its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival"

Anticipated South Korean thriller "The Ugly," directed by the filmmaker behind "Train to Busan," secures North American distribution through Well Go USA before its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

South Korean mystery thriller produced by the director of 'Train to Busan', titled 'The Ugly',...
South Korean mystery thriller produced by the director of 'Train to Busan', titled 'The Ugly', secures North American distribution under Well Go USA prior to its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (Exclusive)

"Train to Busan director's latest mystery thriller, titled 'The Ugly', secures North American distribution via Well Go USA prior to its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival"

In the upcoming Korean mystery thriller "The Ugly," directed by Yeon Sang-ho, viewers will be drawn into a tale of memory, tragedy, and moral ambiguity. The film, based on Yeon Sang-ho's 2018 graphic novel "Face," is set for a world premiere at Toronto next month.

The story revolves around Im Young-Kyu, a master artisan who, despite being born blind, creates exquisite seals. Im Dong-Hwan, his visually impaired son, played by Park Jeong-min, receives a call from the police about the discovery of his mother's skeletal remains, prompting them to delve into the mystery surrounding her death and their family's past.

Im Young-Kyu, portrayed by Kwon Hae-hyo, is a character of great depth, his blindness not a hindrance to his craft but a testament to his resilience. The film explores themes of memory and the emotional and narrative depth of global cinema, as stated by Doris Pfardrescher, president/CEO of Well Go USA, who praises the film for its exploration of dark family secrets and riveting performances.

"The Ugly" is produced by Well Go USA, the company behind Netflix's "The Bequeathed" and "Parasyte: The Grey," which were produced alongside Yeon Sang-ho. Pfardrescher's company has also secured North American distribution for "The Ugly," with plans to release it in U.S. theaters on Sept. 26, following its world premiere at Toronto.

Assisting Dong-hwan in his investigation is Su-jin, a producer, whose role is yet to be revealed. The movie explores the long-hidden truth about Dong-hwan's mother through the memories of those who worked with her at a garment factory 40 years ago.

Yeon Sang-ho, the acclaimed director behind "Train to Busan," made his TV debut with series "Hellbound" in 2021 and directed "Parasyte: The Grey" in 2024. Eugene Kim, Head of Content at Plus M Entertainment, represents international sales on "The Ugly."

With its gripping mystery, emotional depth, and a stellar cast, "The Ugly" promises to be a must-watch for fans of suspenseful dramas and thought-provoking cinema. Stay tuned for more updates on this intriguing film.

[1] Source: Variety [2] Source: Deadline [3] Source: The Hollywood Reporter [4] Source: Screen Daily [5] Source: IndieWire

  1. If you're a fan of suspenseful dramas and global cinema with depth, mark your calendar for "The Ugly," a new movie-and-tv production from Well Go USA.
  2. In the realm of entertainment, the upcoming Korean mystery thriller "The Ugly" not only offers a gripping tale but also delves into themes of memory and the exploration of dark family secrets.

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