Noise (2025) Movie Review – Urban Terror with Strong Suspense but Weak Horror Payoff
Noise (2025) marks the directorial debut of Kim Soo-jin, and it brings a fresh mix of urban terror, psychological fear, and societal decay that feels unsettling from the very beginning. While the film nails its atmosphere and tension, it struggles to maintain its strength as the story unfolds.
A Strong, Creepy Opening
The movie begins with Joo-hee (played by Han Su-a) installing acoustic dampening pads on her ceiling. She keeps hearing strange noises from the apartment above—sounds that nobody else seems to notice. Her sister Joo-young, who is hearing-impaired, brushes off her growing paranoia.
After Joo-hee suddenly disappears, Joo-young receives a call from the police, pulling her into a disturbing search for her missing sister. From this point, the film builds a thick layer of suspense that keeps you alert.
Sound Design That Carries the Film
The biggest strength of Noise is its sound design. The movie uses a wide range of unsettling noises—from croaks to grinding teeth and nails—creating a tense environment inside the apartment building. These audio cues make the viewer constantly feel watched, even when nothing is shown.
The scenes involving speech-to-text software are especially intense. They heighten the feeling of being trapped with something unseen, making these moments some of the best in the film.
Strong Performances but Limited Use of Supporting Cast
Han Su-a delivers a grounded and emotional performance, and the sister dynamic adds weight to the story. However, fans of Ryu Kyung-soo (Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938) may be disappointed, as his role is surprisingly small and underutilized.
Where the Film Falls Short
While the suspense remains steady, the horror payoff is weak. The movie hints at a mysterious entity lurking in the darkness, yet never fully explains what it is or why it exists. With all the buildup, you expect a shocking finale—something as iconic as Ju-on—but it never arrives.
The climax maintains tension but lacks the fear factor needed for a memorable ending.
Final Thoughts
Noise (2025) does many things right—great atmosphere, strong sound design, and engaging performances. But as a horror film, it doesn’t quite land its final blow. Still, as Kim Soo-jin’s first venture into horror, it shows a promising future. With better narrative clarity and a stronger finish, his next film could be truly spine-chilling.
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