The Dinner (2023)

When Love Turns to Lies

*A Normal Family* is a taut, emotionally charged thriller that thrives on psychological tension rather than explosive action.

What stands out most is the suffocating atmosphere. The film’s confined spaces - upscale restaurants, sterile law offices, and tense family dining rooms - mirror the characters' mounting anxiety. The camera often lingers uncomfortably on faces, capturing microexpressions that betray suppressed panic or calculated control. This slow-burn approach builds an oppressive tension that makes the characters' moral descent feel disturbingly realistic.

The performances are stellar, particularly from the parents, whose escalating desperation feels painfully raw. The contrast between the brothers — one calm and methodical, the other emotionally volatile — drives much of the conflict. The film smartly avoids clear-cut villains, instead exploring how even the most well-intentioned people can justify dangerous decisions when cornered.

While *A Normal Family* isn’t heavy on twists, its strength lies in how deeply it immerses viewers in its characters' moral turmoil.

In short, it's a psychological thriller that prioritizes character complexity over fast-paced action.

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Do not let the ratings fool you, this is definitely 9-10/10 worthy.

The movie started with a scene that made me feel nothing, which was concerning because I had been waiting for this movie for about a year. But as the story/film progressed through its runtime, it absolutely delivered what I wanted to feel, which was what the characters were feeling. The director and the cinematographer did a terrific job filming this movie; it gives you goosebumps and makes you feel claustrophobic and a sense of dread. Do not pass on this movie because the ratings on this site are so low; watch and come up with your own conclusions. I promise you won't regret it. I implore you again to please watch it.
If you want additional proof on why this is such a good movie, check this out: This film is directed by "Hur Jin Ho" who has also directed, 'The Last Princess(2016)', 'Two Lights: Relumino(2017)', 'Forbidden dream(2019)', 'Lost(2021)[The best drama I have ever seen]', and 'Love in the Big City(2024)'. This film is written by "Park Eun Kyo", who also wrote 'Mother(2009)', and 'The Silent Sea(2021)'. The cinematographer for this movie is "Go Nak Sun" who has also worked on 'The Priests(2015)', 'Vanishing time(2016)', 'A Taxi Driver(2017)', and 'Narco Saints(2022)'.

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