Stoker (2013), directed by Park Chan-wook and written by Wentworth Miller, is a mesmerizing psychological thriller that skillfully blends elements of suspense, horror, and family drama. This is the South Korean director’s first film in English, and it marks a striking departure from his previous work, showcasing his signature visual style and mastery of tension while navigating the intricacies of a twisted family dynamic. With a stellar cast including Mia Wasikowska, Matthew Goode, Nicole Kidman, and Dermot Mulroney, Stoker is a haunting exploration of grief, identity, and the dark secrets that bind us together.

The film opens with the tragic death of India Stoker’s (Mia Wasikowska) father in a car accident. India, a quiet and introspective teenager, is left to grapple with her grief in the company of her emotionally distant mother, Evelyn (Nicole Kidman). Just as India begins to process her loss, her enigmatic and charming uncle, Charlie (Matthew Goode), unexpectedly arrives to stay with them. As India becomes more intrigued by Charlie, she starts to uncover disturbing truths about his past and his sinister relationship with her family. What follows is a slow burn of psychological horror, as India’s world unravels and she discovers the deeply unsettling nature of her family’s secrets.