With the growing popularity of Kpop in the US, South Korea has brought an unexpected and refreshing source of art to America this year. The film, Parasite, is yet another way in which audiences in not only South Korea and America, but also worldwide have been culturally immersed and enraptured. Earning a 99% Rotten Tomatoes rating with Director Bong Joon-ho taking home Canne’s prestigious Palme d’Or this past year, there’s no surprise that the film is up for three Golden Globe nominations.

While the eerily realistic plot on its own is well-worth the awards, the actors’ and actresses’ brilliant performances have truly brought to life the chilling themes of class disparity and morality, garnering Canne’s Best Actress and Actor Awards as well as a nomination for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

Parasite, like its name suggests, follows a low-income family of four (the Kims) as they attempt to break from their sub-basement lives by infiltrating and leeching off the wealth and status of an upper-class family of four (the Parks). With outstanding cinematography capturing the transitions of class both figuratively and literally within the streets of South Korea, the film is the perfect culmination of both a thriller and a psychological introspection. The addition of a surprisingly classical soundtrack only serves to heighten the viewers’ anxiety and the occasional splash of humor brings it even closer to our reality.

After going back to see Parasite for a second time before it left my local theaters, it’s safe to say that each time you watch it you’re bound to discover previously looked over lines and scenes foreshadowing the shockingly brutal ending. As I walked into my brightly lit house with dinner already waiting on the table for me, I couldn’t help feeling an immense sense of guilt and shame after witnessing the film’s depiction of the very real disparity of wealth existing in our world today.

Bong Joon-ho’s film manages to leave its viewers reevaluating their roles in society and questioning their own morals when it comes to how far one is willing to go for a comfortable lifestyle. With that, I give my personal Chu Seal of Approval (5/5 stars!) to go watch and support Parasite as it is a must-see eye-opener that transcends language and cultural barriers.