'Noise': Real Horror or Just Another Cliché?
The upcoming Korean horror film 'Noise' dives deep into one of the most relatable yet terrifying issues of modern urban life: loud, mysterious sounds coming from the apartment above you. And no, it's not a haunted house—but an apartment where inter-floor noise (neighbors stomping, thudding, or dragging chairs above you) becomes the basis for growing dread.
In 'Noise', two sisters move into a new apartment. Before long, strange occurrences begin, culminating in the sudden disappearance of the younger sister. This realistic take on horror is directed by first-time feature filmmaker Kim Su-jin, whose previous short films won awards on the film festival circuit. Prominent actors like Lee Sun-bin, Kim Min-seok, and Han Soo-ah bring a strong cast to the screen.
A Horror Film Rooted in Reality
The Appeal of Realism
'Noise' doesn't rely on ghosts or demons—it shows that sometimes, the scariest things are the ones we can’t escape, like paper-thin apartment walls or a neighbor who seems just a little off. This blend of reality and terror is what sets 'Noise' apart from traditional supernatural horror.
Shot in filthy alleyways and garbage-laden stairwells, the film uses real locations to unsettle viewers. Actor Kim Min-seok even described the garbage-filled sets as physically disturbing, which deepened his performance. For fans of gritty, grounded thrillers like 'The Strangers' or 'Hereditary', this might serve up a special kind of fear—one that feels uncomfortably close to home.
Experts in horror storytelling argue that setting horror in real life makes it easier for the audience to empathize (understand and feel the emotions of a character). “If you've ever banged a ceiling with a broom because of a noisy neighbor,” says one film critic, “this movie will hit you harder than any jump scare.”
Praise and Pushback
While some viewers appreciate the raw realism, others argue it could be too uncomfortable. There's a fine line between immersive and overwhelming. Scenes shot in decaying apartments or actual trash piles might leave audiences feeling dirty—not scared.
Then there's the complaint that, apart from the unique setting, the overall plot structure is predictable. Sister goes missing. Then comes ghostly clues, mysterious noises, a descent into madness. Some horror fans caution that if the story feels recycled, no amount of realism will save it from being forgettable.
Film reviewer Cha Joon-ho notes, “You can make the world feel eerily real, but if we already know how it ends, it’s just noise—not a scare.”
Original or Overhyped?
‘Noise’ walks a tightrope between gripping social commentary and formulaic mystery. The unique focus on inter-floor noise could be the next evolution of Korean psychological horror—like what 'Parasite' did for social inequality, or 'The Medium' did for spiritual horror.
But whether 'Noise' earns its place depends on how well it balances fresh realism with suspenseful storytelling. Too much realism, and the fun disappears. Too much cliché, and it becomes just another movie with creepy hallways and flickering lights.
Actress Lee Sun-bin, often known for more light-hearted roles, tries to reinvent herself with this gripping performance. That gamble will be under scrutiny when the film hits Korean theaters in June 2025.
If 'Noise' succeeds, it could inspire a whole set of horror films grounded in real-life anxieties. If it fails, then it lives up to the title—just more background noise in an already crowded genre.
