Exist Within (2022 Film)

Exist Within (Korean: 사잇소리; RR: Sais Sori) is a 2022 South Korean thriller film directed by Kim Jeong-Uk. The film explores themes of obsession and domestic tension, centering on an aspiring writer who becomes fixated on the mysterious activities of her neighbor.

Exist Within promotional poster — Promotional poster for the film Exist Within.

Plot

Eun-Soo (played by Ryu Hwa-Young) is an aspiring writer living in unit #401 of an apartment complex. Struggling to find inspiration for a writing contest, she becomes increasingly agitated by persistent noise emanating from the apartment directly above hers, unit #501. Following advice to draw inspiration from her immediate surroundings, she decides to document the life of her neighbor, Ho-Kyung (Park Jin-Woo).

Her investigation escalates from simple observation to stalking and the use of wiretapping equipment. As Eun-Soo delves deeper into Ho-Kyung's private life, he eventually becomes aware of her surveillance. The situation takes a dark turn as Eun-Soo uncovers disturbing truths about her neighbor.

Cast

The film features the following primary cast members:

Ryu Hwa-Young as Eun-Soo
Park Jin-Woo as Ho-Kyung
Jung Dong-Hoon as Ji-Sung

Park Jin-Woo portrays the neighbor, Ho-Kyung.

The supporting cast includes Oh Young-Sil as Eun-Soo's mother, Chae Yeon-Jung as Soon-Ja, Lee Sang-Hee as the fishing place owner, and Kwon Seong-Deok as Janitor Kim.

Production and Release

Exist Within was written by Lee Chung-Soon and features cinematography by Jo Young-Chan. The film was distributed by Dreamfact Entertainment and released in South Korea on October 13, 2022. It has a total runtime of 106 minutes.