Directed by Lee Sang-geun, best known for his 2019 hit Exit, Pretty Crazy marks his return after six years. It follows the comedic struggles of jobless young man Gil-goo (Ahn Bo-hyun), who takes on an unusual part-time job—watching over Seon-ji (Im Yoon-ah), a woman who transforms into a demon every night at around 2 AM. The movie is set to hit theaters on August 13.
The story begins with Seon-ji’s dual life: by day, she is “Day Seon-ji”, a gentle aspiring pâtissier; by night, she becomes “Night Seon-ji”, a ruthless demon. Gil-goo falls for her daytime persona, only to be shocked when he encounters her nightmarish alter ego. Tasked by her father, Jang-soo (Sung Dong-il), to look after Night Seon-ji every dawn, Gil-goo sets out to save both the demon-possessed Seon-ji and the true Seon-ji he loves.
While primarily a comedy, the film weaves in occult elements through its demon protagonist. Viewers find themselves laughing at Night Seon-ji’s unpredictable antics, only to be jolted by her mischievous, shocking behavior moments later. The balance between humor and suspense keeps the audience hooked.
The chemistry between Seon-ji and Gil-goo is a key highlight. In an effort to “genuinely” make her happy and weaken the demon’s grip, Gil-goo takes Night Seon-ji on quirky dates—from Han River strolls to trampoline park visits. Their odd relationship gives off the warm, fluttery vibes of a romance drama.
Yet the film is far from lighthearted fluff. As the plot unfolds, Night Seon-ji’s painful backstory emerges, blending seamlessly with director Lee’s signature humanistic themes. The mix of occult, comedy, romance and coming-of-age storytelling allows the characters to grow, heal and form bonds that celebrate empathy, solidarity and family love.
Im Yoon-ah’s performance makes the eccentric premise believable. Day Seon-ji evokes the familiar image of the Girls’ Generation idol, while Night Seon-ji showcases her boldest transformation yet—complete with hippie curls, heavy makeup, flashy nails and loud outfits. She shrieks, runs wildly, and embraces the role with charm and comedic timing, avoiding the cringe factor such a part could invite.
Ahn Bo-hyun, known for strong roles in Military Prosecutor Doberman and Flex X Cop, surprises as the clumsy, relatable job seeker Gil-goo. His awkward but lovable nature lightens the film’s emotional weight, while his signature wide-eyed “O” expression in the face of Night Seon-ji’s chaos is both endearing and hilarious.
With its blend of devilish mischief, touching character arcs and unpredictable humor, Pretty Crazy promises to carve out a memorable place in this summer’s box office lineup.
Sources: Netizenbuzz