Domestic Criticism to Overseas Success: 'The Black Nuns' Surpasses 1 Million in Indonesia

The film 'The Black Nuns' is achieving remarkable box office success overseas.

'The Black Nuns' tells the story of individuals who embark on a forbidden ritual to save a boy possessed by a powerful evil spirit.

After surpassing the break-even point of 1.6 million viewers in South Korea, 'The Black Nuns' has now crossed 1 million cumulative viewers in Indonesia. Additionally, it has topped the box office in the Philippines for two consecutive weeks since its release, showing strong performance across Asia.

International media and audience reactions have been positive. Indonesian outlets have noted, "The film presents a new direction for the occult genre through its unique setting, delivering a compelling story. The chemistry between Song Hye-kyo and Jeon Yeo-bin highlights the psychological depth of their characters, leaving a strong impression" (Kompas). Another review stated, "'The Black Nuns' employs a directing style that creates unexpected tension, enhancing the film's atmosphere. Song Hye-kyo perfectly embodies the character 'Unia,' showcasing deep emotional acting. Her intense chemistry with Jeon Yeo-bin makes the film even more engaging, drawing the audience in. Moon Woo-jin's performance is also outstanding" (IDN Times). Furthermore, it was highlighted that "the combination of Korean shamanistic elements with the occult genre is a unique aspect of 'The Black Nuns.' Song Hye-kyo's delicate acting stands out, while Jeon Yeo-bin's presence enriches the screen" (Liputan6), receiving enthusiastic praise for its distinctive setting and the actors' performances.

Filipino audiences have also expressed their admiration, stating, "The film offers a fresh experience by handling the occult in a way rarely seen in Korean cinema" (D' Korean Chingu). Another comment noted, "Song Hye-kyo's unique delicate acting adds depth to the strong character of 'Unia'" (Facebook_Ma****). Additionally, "The film presents a new approach to the occult genre with a distinctive setting. Song Hye-kyo's performance elevates the film's quality" (Lawatsera Lovers) received enthusiastic acclaim.

The film's international screenings are ongoing. It has been released in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Laos (on February 6), North America, and Myanmar (on February 7), with upcoming releases in Singapore and Malaysia on February 13, and Vietnam on February 21.

Although 'The Black Nuns' struggled to maintain its box office momentum during the Lunar New Year holiday in South Korea, falling to second place behind 'Hitman 2,' its overseas success has helped alleviate some of that disappointment. While domestic audience numbers have plateaued after surpassing 1.6 million, the film's achievement of over 1 million viewers in Indonesia raises expectations for international revenue.


[SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye]

(SBS Star)