Program Note
Hana, a former pro gamer suffering from severe agoraphobia, one day receives a prototype device called 'Omnia' from a game company. Designed to detect brainwaves and enhance gaming abilities, 'Omnia' presents a chance for Hana—once a promising e-sports star—to make a comeback. With the support of her friend Jen, she enters a gaming tournament using the device, determined to reclaim her former glory. However, the deeper she immerses herself in the game, the more the boundaries between reality and the virtual world begin to blur. 'Omnia' evolves from a simple enhancement tool into a threatening presence that begins to consume her mind. Repetitive unsettling imagery, sudden jump scares, and intensifying sound effects heighten the horror and vividly convey Hana's psychological breakdown. Sasha Luss, known for her striking action performance in Anna (2019), delivers a compelling portrayal of a woman gripped by fear and unraveling sanity, anchoring the film's escalating tension. This action-horror thriller led by a female protagonist shows just how captivating and powerful the genre can be. (Kani KIM)