Namajinheung Inc
SUDDENLY IN THE DARK
Script Yoon Sam-yuk
Cinematography Jung Pil-si
Music Choi Jong-hyeok
Kim Young-ae
Yoon II-bong
Lee Gi-seon
Hyeon Hye-ri, Kim Geun-hui
Kim Min-gyu, Kim Gi-jong
Lee Yae-sung, Gwak Geon, Yoo Myeong-sun
Producer Seo Hyeon
Director Go Yeong-nam
- It's dad! - Gyeong-a
Daddy!
- So, did you study hard? - Did you catch a lot of butterflies?
Of course
- It's been two weeks right? - 17 days
That long?
I'm sorry honey. But this trip was a big success
- Tell me after you had a shower - OK
- Come along, Gyeong-a - OK
Honey, the university called
Why?
The director called
About your schedule for this semester
I told him I can only lecture two hours a week now
He said you can't
That catching butterflies is important...
but the university wants you to give more lectures
Honey, please call Dr. Oh in Insadong
Why?
I found a rare one this time. Ask him to come over tonight
- Tonight? - Yes
Call the guys from biology too
- Honey, bring me a towel - OK
I should probably give a brief presentation tonight
Does it have to be tonight? You should get some rest
What's up? You don't look happy
You know why...
You're late...
- Come in - I'm sorry
Latecomers get fined
Whatever Dr. Oh says, right?
So, let's have a look
Isn't it a type of Musk butterfly?
Yes...
but the summer type is usually much larger than the spring type
Here we have a spring type as big as the summer type
This is great
- Gray Dragon Swallowtail - It's special to Korea...
but gets scarcer every year
It's the pesticides
This is a Camberwell Beauty
There's lots, but quite rare in the south
I found it in a ravine in the Jirisan
You've collected a lot
That's strange
What is it? Isn't it a wooden doll?
I wonder how that got in here
Just leave it. It's a rare species
It looks like a witch
Since when have you researched Shamanism?
I don't research Shamanism
I'm interested in psychiatric medicine
I read about these in a book
Do you believe in witches?
That's not the point
They seem to fill a gap in people's lives
How did the topic go from biology to medicine?
Where did you get that picture?
Must have been a mistake at the photo lab
This is the highlight of the trip
The Southern Blue Peacock?
I couldn't catch it. I'm just lucky I got a picture
It's acknowledged as a Korean butterfly, right?
Dr. Jo Bok-seong caught one on Jeju Island in 1955 and...
in 1966 Dr. Won Byeong-hui from Shinheung University caught one
Sadly all the samples were lost
What's up?
Over there
What?
There's nothing there
You must be seeing things
They want coffee. I'll make it
- Honey - Yes
- That picture... - What picture?
- The doll with the white makeup - Yes?
Why was it there?
Must have been a mistake at the developers
For some reason it's upset me
Like a bad omen
Forget about it. You're being oversensitive
Are you going back in three days?
I must catch that Southern Blue Peacock
I'm sorry I keep going away
It's OK
Your husband went away again?
Is he cheating on you?
I don't care how crazy he is about bugs
He's only been back for three days and now he's off back to the country
That must mean somethings wrong
My husband isn't that kind of person
You shouldn't let him go
A man who roams freely is like a runaway colt
Running into this field and that
Stop it!
Hey, you shouldn't be too confident about your husband
A 28 year old woman is the same as a 60 year old
We're already over 30 which is like being a 60 year old has-been
Based on my experience...
married women need to be very watchful
So many young, fresh girls out there...
- I thought you had to go out? - I'm in no hurry
I should go. The house is empty
- Isn't your housemaid there? - No, she's quit
It's so hard to find good help these days
Come on, I need to buy an outfit and hurry home
OK, let me get changed
- Mom - What?
- Should I plant Morning Glory here? - Sure
It's daddy!
Dad!
- Hi! - Dad
- Did you study hard Gyeong-a? - Yes
Who's she?
That's Mi-ok
I found her wandering around. She's alone
Her parents are dead so I brought her here
Mi-ok... Say hi
Welcome
The villagers said she's a hard worker
You need a housemaid, so I thought we could try her
Really? That's great
Welcome to our home. Come inside
You're happier with a housemaid than with me!
Come here. Let's find you a room
- Get me a change of clothes - It's in the closet
OK
This is your room now
I'll fix dinner so make yourself at home
Yes
What do you think?
It's hard to find a housemaid today...
so I'm not picky
I'm sure she'll be fine once she settles in
Oh, I forgot to go to the market
You are in a good mood
Why didn't you get changed?
I've no other clothes
I'm sorry, I was going to give you some of mine
You should shower first. Put that down and come here
No!
But... Do you think I'm going to steal it?
Put that down and come along. You need to get washed
This turns the shower on. OK?
I'll go and sort out some clothes
Get in the bath now. I'll take those
Oooh, it's so warm
Lie down in it
It's hot
That's to wash off all that dirt
You have a nice body. How old are you?
Nineteen
Nineteen?
You can bathe like this every day
You have such beautiful skin
Sorry!
- You should knock - You should lock the door
Gyeong-a, tell father dinner's ready
Wow, who's this?
She's beautiful, isn't she?
- So different, I can't believe it - Like a movie star
There was a beautiful girl under there
- Mi-ok, come sit with us - Please
You're tired from the drive. Go to bed early
I'll do the dishes
I'm not tired
I'll do them, you rest
- Do you like our house? - Yes, it's really nice
I think Mi-ok should stay here until she gets married
A 28 year old woman is the same as a 60 year old
We're already over 30
All those young, fresh girls out there...
I put some pyjamas in your room for you
- Honey - Yes?
- About that girl - Who?
Mi-ok
Well?
- Where did you find her? - Didn't I tell you?
- I found her in Naengol - Where's that?
A small village near Muju Gucheon-dong
- Then she's a farmer's daughter - No, she's a shaman's child
A shaman?
Her mother was a famous shaman in that area
Nobody knew who the father was
The shaman used to say she was born...
with the spirit of the Sea God's grandmother
Really?
But a fire unexpectedly broke out at the shaman's house
The shaman died in the fire...
Mi-ok barely escaped being burned alive
I don't think the villagers started the fire
I found her wandering round the burned house
- Maybe that's why? - Why what?
She's beautiful and mysterious
Must be the Sea God grandmother's spirit
Let's go to sleep
She's got a really beautiful body
You think?
- You saw her in the bathroom - Hardly
Only a glimpse
- You really didn't see? - Stop being ridiculous
I'm serious
Even a woman would be attracted by that body
Come on, turn out the lights
- Give it here! - No!
- Give it to me! - I said no!
- Give it to me - I don't want to
- I'll tell my mom - No! You can't have it
Gyeong-a, leave her stuff alone
- My doll's in there - It's not a doll
- Stop lying - I'm not lying
What is it? Let me see
No, you mustn't
Why? What is this thing I shouldn't see?
It's not a thing
It's ok. Let me see
Why is it wrapped up like this?
No one is allowed to see it
But it's...
- Where'd you get this? - It's mine
Gyeong-a, go now
You're right. It's yours
I won't take it from you. Just explain
Where did it come from?
My...
my mother gave it to me
Really?
Your mother used it as a spirit tablet?
Yes
The spirit tablet of the Sea God's grandmother protects you
Even if I die
So long as you have it you will live
Without it, you will die
Take this and leave. Go, quickly!
So this is the only thing you rescued from the fire?
Of course you must keep it. Keep it safe
Then how... How did it get in the picture?
It's gone
Aren't you happy to be in a new house?
Oh, yes...
The scenery is nice and the owners are both so kind
I'm happy that you think so too
They're rich and the house is big and really nice, right?
Yes
We're both going to live here until we die
Yes, yes. For a long time, having fun...
- Are you going to stay up all night? - Yes
I've a report to finish
I'm far behind
Do you want a late-night snack?
If I want one I'll get it. You get some sleep
By the way, what did you do with that picture?
- What picture? - Of that wooden doll
Huh? That...?
I got rid of it. Why?
Just... that it's a little strange
What is?
Mi-ok has the same doll
Really?
She said it belonged to her mother
The only thing she rescued from the fire
That's not strange
Does it worry you?
Why did you have a picture of it?
True... it's a bit weird
But these days those things have historical interest
People collect them, take pictures of them...
It probably got mixed in
What are you doing?
- Oh, it's you! - Why are you still up?
Where did you go?
I wanted some fresh air so I went for a walk
I thought I heard something so I came downstairs
I'll be up all night...
so you don't have to worry about someone breaking in
Go back to bed
Gyeong-a, hurry up, I'm going
Bye, mom
What's wrong? Are you sick?
I didn't sleep, so I have a bit of a headache
I'll be fine
You look tired. You should take care of yourself
See you later
What are you doing? You should be cleaning
Yes, I'm going to
- Hello - Hello
- You look very tired - Really?
Are you pregnant again?
I have a slight headache, that's all
Do you often have headaches?
I'm having trouble sleeping
- I'll give you some tranquilizers - I feel dizzy too
That sometimes happens when you're stressed
What's the occasion? You're home early
When did you get back?
There was a sports event so classes were cancelled
Hey
Yes?
Why are you dressed like that? I can see your breasts
Leave her alone. You gave that to her
It's all in how you wear it. She looks slutty
She seems slow, but actually she's quite smart
How do you know?
I asked her to fetch my butterfly specimens...
she brought me Grey Dragon Swallowtail...
and Luehdorfia puziloi. Even experts can't tell them apart
How did she know?
She must have learned watching me
Anyway she's really smart
Hey...
- Hey, Mi-ok! - Yes
Come down here
Where did you get this?
- Why is this in your room? - Well...
This is my husband's so what's it doing in your room?
What's all the fuss about?
This was in Mi-ok's room. What's going on?
- What do you mean? - Why was this in her room?
It's broken so I threw it out
What?
Mi-ok probablyjust picked it up
You found this in the garbage?
Yes
You're getting mad about nothing. Throw it out
- Go and clean upstairs - Yes
Anything wrong?
Did you have to open the door so loudly?
- The door made a noise? - Clean the sewing machine!
Seon-hui!
Hi
Why did you ask me to come over?
Let's go inside
You don't look so good
So what's up then?
I've got a problem
What is it?
- My husband's acting strangely - What?
It started after he brought home Mi-ok, a housemaid
- Mi-ok? - Let me finish...
You really think your husband would do that?
He could always cheat on you outside the house
Why would he bring her home?
Doesn't it seem unlikely?
If that was already part of their plan...
that's even more scary
There's nothing scarier than doubting someone
There's something else
What?
He doesn't touch me these days
He says he has to write his thesis and sleeps in the spare room
He probably is writing his thesis
I'm about to go crazy
The moment you start to doubt someone...
you start to get paranoid
Then everything seems suspicious
Once you reach that stage, you feel you're the victim...
and you start to attack the other person
Have you thought of seeing a psychiatrist?
Are you crazy?
It's no big deal these days going to a psychiatrist
I don't want to hear it!
You're worrying over nothing. I'm going now
I'll stop by soon. Don't worry so much
Alright
That's her?
- I don't think she's that pretty - She's got a great body
Because you're so skinny. It's all relative
You think?
- You don't have to walk me out - OK, stay safe
Honey... Honey!
Honey!
Are you awake?
You recognize me?
- Are you awake? - Get your dirty hands off me!
What's up with you?
You're no better than an animal!
- What the... - Get out!
You dirty hypocrite!
Stop this
What's going on?
- Why are you like this? - You really want to know?
Why did you go into Mi-ok's room? What did you do in there?
- What? - You think I didn't see?
I watched through the keyhole
I know you go to her room every night
That's enough!
Maybe... you had a nightmare?
What's that?
I was on the second floor
I heard a thud downstairs so I ran down there
You were out cold by Mi-ok's room
What's going on?
Saying all these filthy things
How can you do this to me?
Honey, what are you talking about?
These days, you're always so on edge
Maybe we should see a psychiatrist?
Never!
Then stop taking these!
Don't just stay inside. Go out and get some fresh air
I'm off now
Have a good day
What the...
I'm so sorry. Are you alright?
What are you doing?
It must have slipped. I'm sorry
I need to talk to you
Was I seeing things last night?
No. I'm certain I saw them together
Are you alright?
When I fainted last night where were you?
I was asleep
You were asleep?
I was asleep when I heard a noise
When I woke up...
I heard your husband run downstairs...
calling out to you
I was scared so I went outside...
and you were lying there unconscious
Shouldn't you go to hospital?
I'm fine
Why do you always carry that around?
If I don't Gyeong-a steals it
Also, my mother said I should always have it with me
It protects me
Alright, go do your work
Madame... I'm very sorry
She's possessed by the Sea God grandmother's spirit
Mom, have you seen my teddy bear?
Teddy bear?
I'm going to use it to fight Mi-ok's doll
- Gyeong-a, come here - Why?
- Don't touch Mi-ok's doll - Why?
It's her doll so don't even think about it
Sleep with me tonight
I can't. I need to do my homework
Why are you up so late?
We've no barley tea so I'm making some
You should do that before we run out
Should I make coffee for your husband?
No, I'll do it
Is that my coffee?
- Honey - Oh, it's you...
I thought...
you'd gone to bed already
- Honey - What?
Let's fire her
Who? Mi-ok?
Why? Isn't she doing a good job?
It's not that...
It's not easy finding a housemaid these days...
so we should keep her
For some reason I'm scared
Listen... I told you to stop thinking like that
Do whatever you want
If it bothers you so much, let her go
No, you're right. I'll go make you some coffee
Good idea
You're not so well these days. You need Mi-ok to help out
Open the door! I said open the door!
Hang on
- Who are you trying to kill? - What?
Who are you trying to kill?
- Kill what? - You did that on purpose
You left the gas on to try and kill me?
- I turned it off - You turned it off?
The gas is off but it's leaking? Come here!
Look... see?
Oh... Why is it on?
Does that look off to you? Who were you trying to kill?
Ah, so you have to turn it this way to turn it off
Can gas really kill someone?
What? Do you know what you're saying?
- I didn't know - I can't believe this...
She pretends to be an idiot to try and kill me
Honey... Open the door
What's going on?
Mi-ok is trying to kill me
- What? - I'm sure she's trying to kill me
- This again... - I tell you, it's true
This morning she dropped a vase from the balcony
Just now she left the gas on and tried to kill me
I'm telling you the truth. I'm so scared
Help me...
Hello. Is this Dr. Kim in Psychiatry?
This isn't 92-8982? I'm sorry
Stop! Who are you calling?
I think you need treatment
I'm fine. Why should I get treated?
You've been suffering from extreme paranoia
I don't want to do this...
but you need help
I made a mistake. I imagined things for no reason
I don't want to go. There's nothing wrong with me
I'll take you to Dr. Kim's house myself
Let's see what he says
- There's nothing wrong with me - Then why are you like this?
I don't know
I tell you... I'm going to go crazy
She sleeps with him every night
And plans to kill me
How?
I told you
She dropped a vase from the balcony and left the gas on
An accident?
She's just disguising them as accidents
But you said she wasn't very smart
She pretends to be stupid while plotting murder
She has the Sea God grandmother's spirit inside her
It doesn't make sense. That's just your imagination
You too...
You think I'm crazy too?
Only because what you're saying is absurd
No! You don't understand
Everything that's happening to me is because of that wooden doll
It can't be explained with modern science
That shot in my husbands slides
Then she brought that evil spirit doll into our house
Then all these things started to happen
I'm not insane
My husband wants to send me to a mental institution
If I go there this house will become their heaven
And the evil spirits in that doll will kill my husband and Gyeong-a
I know it
That's why I'm fighting her
That's why she's trying to kill me
Eun-yeong, won't you help me?
So, how can I help?
Let me stay here for a few days
No
That's what they want
Maybe you could stay at my house for a few days?
There's only one thing I can do to help you
What?
Make you get a psychiatric evaluation
You too...
You're not thinking straight
Let's go right now
No! I'm normal
Nobody believes me
But it's all true
Evil spirits are invading our home
I need to fight back to save my family
Honey!
- When did you get home? - Just now
Why is she sleeping here?
Hey, Mi-ok, wake up
I must have fallen asleep
I need to do some work. Make me some coffee
Yes. Do you want some too?
- There's cream in this? - Your husband doesn't take any
Think I'm going to drink this?
You think I don't know?
Do what you want... have your fun
- Hey! - Yes
Why were you upstairs so long?
He wanted me to find him some butterflies
Why is your button missing?
It got caught on a nail as I was taking out the box
Really? Come with me
Look up there. Why is it so dirty?
Tidy up the room and clean the windows
OK
I will fight her
Chase away the evil spirits from our house
Honey, hurry and get out here
We need to call the police
No...
I don't believe this
Whenever she cleaned the window she leaned on it
I always told her to be careful but she wouldn't listen
It seems that the rain rotted the window frame
Sorry we bothered you unnecessarily
Recently there's been many people falling down stairs
Good bye
One last thing...
Yes?
Did Mi-ok have any reason to want to kill herself?
No. Why do you ask?
Just making a note of it
I can't lose. I'm going to fight till the end
If I lose my home will be destroyed
Mom, look what I found
- Look mom - What's all the fuss about?
This
Where did you find it?
In the garden
What?
Throw it away now
What's all the fuss about?
A few days ago I threw this out but she brought it back
This brings evil spirits. That's why Mi-ok is dead
Try to invade my home, you'll never succeed
Begone, evil spirits!
Hello
Hello...
Hello!..
Honey... honey?
- Tell me what's wrong - The evil spirits are back
Listen to me very carefully
You have a serious illness
This is just like a disease
Believing in evil spirits is a sickness
Such things can't exist in a modern society
Even if they do they won't be in that doll
There are many of those stupid dolls in this world
Fine... let's say that doll is possessed by evil spirits
Will throwing it away erase them from your mind?
No matter how far you throw it...
until those paranoid thoughts are gone...
it won't go away
If so, it's better to keep it close by and fight it
Let's see if there really are evil spirits in here
That's how to treat your paranoia
I'm going to leave this here so don't move it
If you throw it away again I'll be very angry
Got it?
Let's send Gyeong-a to her grandmother's
I'm on a field trip for four days
- Drive carefully - I will
- Bye, mom - Bye
Eun-yeong? It's me
Can you come over tonight?
My husband's away and Gyeong-a is at her grandmother's
Please come. I'll be waiting
Hello? Why aren't you here?
Why?
I can't go out, it's raining...
and Hwang said he was coming over
Sorry
Hello...
Come out! Come out, damn you!
Come out you devil! I said come out!
Honey, honey!