Baku:Director Yeon Sang-ho returns with "Paradise Lost," a psychological thriller that delves into the complex themes of artificial intelligence (AI) and human nature. Known for his work on films like "Colony" and "The Ugly," Yeon draws inspiration from a note by his mother to craft this narrative.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the film follows So-young, played by Kim Hyun-joo, as she copes with the presumed death of her son Sun-woo, portrayed by Bae Hyun-sung. Sun-woo was thought to be dead after a bus carrying children went missing. So-young manages her grief through "Children of Paradise," an augmented reality program that uses AI to recreate child victims, allowing parents to interact with them via AI glasses. Nine years later, her routine is disrupted when the real Sun-woo returns, now older and markedly different.

While some view his return as miraculous, Sun-woo's dark and violent behavior, except for his familiar habit of biting his nails, creates tension. His actions and challenges to So-young to abandon the AI version of him thrust her and their community into chaos.

The film, produced on a modest budget of 500 million won (approximately US$374,000), contrasts a forlorn mining town with the high-tech firm responsible for "Children of Paradise." This setting enhances the film's dismal tone as it raises questions about AI's role in reality, the process of grieving, and the extent of motherly love.

Yeon integrates themes of trauma and learned violence to explore human nature's darker aspects. However, the film's attempt to address these numerous themes can feel scattered, potentially hindering deeper audience engagement. Despite this, Kim's portrayal of So-young provides an emotional anchor.

"Paradise Lost" leaves some questions unanswered, particularly regarding Sun-woo's past nine years, which are briefly addressed near the film's conclusion. This work, considered one of Yeon's darkest, was showcased at both the Toronto and Busan International Film Festivals.