South-Korean director Bong Joon-Ho’s “Parasite” was on my watch list for months after hearing my classmates rave about the “plot twist” half-way through the movie. My desire to watch only grew when the film made history by being the first foreign language film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. The satirical film also took home Oscars for directing, original screenplay and Best International Film. What better time to watch the award-winning movie than while locked away in your house? 

“Parasite” follows the rise-and-fall story of the Kim family. Extremely poor, the family of four lives in a crumby, bug-infested South Korean home where they struggle to live day by day. They take low-paying jobs, such as folding pizza boxes, to afford food. When the son of the family, Ki-Woo (Choi Woo-shik), is offered a job tutoring a wealthy highschooler, the family’s life is transformed. 

Throughout the film, the Kim family is slowly integrated into the insanely-wealthy Park household. After Ki-Woo becomes a tutor, he references his sister, Ki-Jung (Park So-dam) as an art tutor for the rich family’s youngest son. At this point of the film, the tone seems to be rather light-hearted as subtle jokes are cracked. Viewers also can’t help but roll their eyes at how ridiculous and naive the wealthy Park family is, specifically the anxious wife and mother, Yeon-kyo (Cho Yeo-jeong). After all, Ki-Woo is not really a properly-trained tutor, and his sister uses Google to present herself as a credible art teacher. 

Eventually, the rest of the Kim family finds a way into the household. The father, Ki-taek (Song Kang-ho), becomes a chauffeur for Mr. Park (Lee Sun-kyun), the husband of the rich household. The last person to be integrated is the mother of the Kim family, Chung-sook (Chang Hyae-jin), when she becomes the new Park family maid. 

I couldn’t help but root for the Kim family. Everything seemed to be going perfect for them as they lived lavishly through the Park family while also being paid an absurd amount of money. The film delivers a clear message at how differently the wealthy and the poor live, despite how intelligent the poor family may be. The Kim family for example, is clearly witty and intelligent enough to nearly take control of the Park household. The Park family is dumb enough to fall for it. Just as the title of the movie suggests, the Kims are able to act as “parasites” by leeching onto the wealthy household and taking advantage of its benefits. 

The director also reinforces this constant disparity between the rich and the poor by emphasizing the odor of the Kim family. Mr. Park frequently complains to his wife about the stench of chauffeur Ki-taek, and it is a recurring symbol throughout the movie. The Parks turn a cheek away from people who smell as if they ride the subway, unable to see their own privilege. The odor is something that can never be washed away from the Kim family. 

The most amazing aspect of the film is the sudden shift it takes after the audience has settled into its witty tone. A surprise of gore, suspense and chaos almost turn the film into a horror movie. The jarring shift is so well executed, using a slow build in the film’s transition scene. By its end, it’s clear that everything in the film, from beginning to end, has a purpose and connects in some shape or form.   

“Parasite” is a meloncholy tale with a powerful message about class discrimination and power. As a satire, it takes an extreme case of class division that still is somehow horrifying and makes you alter the way you view things. The film will make you laugh, and then it will make your heart beat fast and may even make you cry at the very end. It is a rollercoaster of emotions, but it all has a purpose. 

With a phenomenal cast, fitting soundtrack and mesmerizing plot, “Parasite” should be a must-see in everyone’s books. Despite being a foreign film, it sheds light on an issue that is applicable in every part of the world. The message is not limited to just one location. From me, the movie receives a 10/10. 

“Parasite” is currently available for free streaming on Hulu and can also be rented or purchased from other streaming platforms.