FrightFest Review: The Villainess (2017)

A female assassin leaves a trail of bodies behind as she deals with being betrayed by everyone she knows and trusts...

On the surface, The Villainess is an odd choice for something like FrightFest. It's a Korean film, an action packed one, that although containing bloody, violent action, doesn't fall into the horror, or fantasy or sci-fi genres most of the other films at FrightFest fit into. And yet, it feels right at home there.

The story, which does have elements of other films such as La Femme Nikita, or Kill Bill isn't the most original it has to be said, however, screenwriters Byeong-sik Jung and Byung-gil Jung does add a few twists, one of which was truly surprising in a film like this, that make it feel fresh.

But in truth, we are here for the action and boy, does The Villainess deliver. Director, Byung-gil Jung really pulls out all the stops from the opening point of view opening as Sook-hee goes on a bloody rampage through a building killing everyone she comes across. It's a stunning opening sequence. Later on we get other action scenes, including an incredible fight scene on a moving bus.

However, where the film really scores is when the film settles down in its middle section as we watch Sook-hee being trained to be an assassin both by the government organisation who have their own use for her, but also to a younger version of herself being trained by a family friend, who is looking for her father's killer.

Sook-hee is superbly played by Ok-bin Kim, not only convincing in the action scenes, but also showing a more vulnerable side as she tries to adapt to a life with her daughter. It's her performance that carries you throughout the film.

There is strong support from Seo-hyeong Kim as the Chief of the government organisation, someone willing to do whatever it takes to get the job completed. Jun Sung plays an agent assigned to keep an eye on Sook-hee once she begins living in the real world after her training is complete. Ha-kyun Shin is also good in support too, as someone from her past.

The film is very well shot, the opening POV-action scene avoiding the shaky cam you might have expected, the music is good and despite its length never feels dull. With action sequences that bring to mind The Raid 1 and 2, The Villainess is a stunning film, one the genuine surprises of FrightFest.

I believe the Shudder streaming channel has snapped the film up, so it will likely find its audience there. However, if you get the chance, see it on a cinema screen if you can.

It is worth it.

Rating - 4/5