Yeon Sang-ho's 'Colony' premiered at the Cannes Film Festival's Midnight Screenings, offering a modern zombie tale infused with artificial intelligence themes. Known for 'Train to Busan,' Yeon returns to dissect societal fears through the undead.
AI and Individuality
Yeon shared with Variety his concern over high-speed communication reducing individuality. 'Colony' follows Gianna Jun's Se-jeong, a biotechnology professor trapped in a facility with a mutating virus acting like a networked intelligence. Yeon cites George A. Romero’s influence, emphasizing zombies as symbols of contemporary fears.
Biological and Societal Parallels
Yeon sees parallels between viral colonies and human society, stressing the importance of diversity. 'We must protect minority voices,' he states, warning of AI’s potential to homogenize thought. He believes AI's focus on universality neglects minority opinions, crucial for survival.
Vertical Action and Pandemic Insights
'Colony' moves vertically within a high-rise, reflecting civilization's fragility. Yeon explores perspectives of those outside the quarantine, inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Our way of watching changed,' he notes.
Physical Performance over CGI
Eschewing CGI, Yeon hired dancers to portray the infected, emphasizing individuality within a collective. 'Like ten fingers of one hand,' he describes, showcasing distinct roles within unity.
Yeon credits Korean cinema's infrastructure for blending commercial success with auteur vision, citing directors like Bong Joon Ho. His work includes Netflix's 'Revelations' and 'Human Vapor,' expanding his international collaborations.
Post-production continues on 'Paradise Lost,' a dark narrative about AI and resurrection. Yeon expresses a desire to balance indie and commercial projects. He hints at a future international endeavor, but remains focused on 'Colony's' Cannes debut.
Reflecting on cinema's evolution, Yeon compares today’s debates on streaming and AI to the transformative impact of Dadaism, believing these discussions enrich the art form.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/festivals/colony-yeon-sang-ho-ai-individuality-zombies-1236749609/
