'Hope,' directed by Na Hong-jin, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on Sunday night, receiving a six-minute standing ovation for its portrayal of an alien invasion in South Korea.
Na Hong-jin: A Cannes Veteran
This ambitious film, distributed domestically by Neon, marks Hong-jin's fourth appearance at Cannes but his first in competition. His previous Cannes entries include 'The Chaser' (2008), 'The Murderer (The Yellow Sea)' (2011), and 'Goksung' (2016).
A Star-Studded Cast
Featuring an ensemble cast of Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Hoyeon Jung, Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell, and Cameron Britton, 'Hope' captivated audiences with its unique blend of gritty survival and original sci-fi elements. The film's intense first 40 minutes, filled with continuous action, culminate in the destruction of an entire town.
Unusual Humor and International Acclaim
The film's humor, including a particularly memorable scene involving an elderly man's encounter with aliens in the woods, resonated with the audience, resulting in laughter from the black-tie crowd. 'Hope' has already garnered international attention, with Neon acquiring rights for North America, the U.K., and Australia, while Mubi secured distribution in Latin America, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Turkey.
Cannes History and First-Timers
Of the cast, Fassbender, Vikander, and Jung-min have attended Cannes multiple times, with Fassbender first appearing in 2008 with 'Hunger.' For Hoyeon, Russell, and Britton, 'Hope' marks their debut in the festival's official selection.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/festivals/michael-fassbender-alicia-vikander-cannes-ovation-hope-1236742469/
