Netflix's Good News is rewriting cinematic rules, blending reality and imagination to deliver a fresh take on black comedy. The film, directed by Byun Sung-hyun, premiered at the 30th Busan International Film Festival in the Gala Presentation section, drawing praise for its witty humor and inventive style.
The story is inspired by the real-life 1970 hijacking of the Yodo-go flight, reimagined with sharp comedic undertones. "It's based on true events, but I wanted to create within the bounds of fiction without damaging the facts," Byun explained. He added that even though the incident took place decades ago, the themes still resonate today.
A Bold Narrative Experiment
Good News stands out for breaking the fourth wall. Characters shift into imagined worlds, stare directly into the camera, and challenge the audience to question what's real. Byun noted, "I wanted distance, not immersion. It's about observing the chaos rather than being absorbed into it."
Stellar Cast and Performances
Hong Kyung plays Air Force lieutenant Go Myung, tasked with landing the hijacked plane. He impressed audiences with his fluency in English and Japanese, honed during an extended pre-production period. Byun praised his dedication, noting, "He studied from the basics, even hiragana, to truly connect with his co-actors."
Veteran actor Sol Kyung-gu portrays the enigmatic "Mr. Nobody," a character created solely for the film. "He's designed to stand apart, shifting between involvement and detachment, sanity and madness," Sol explained. This marks his fourth collaboration with Byun. The director simply said, "I just like him—both as an actor and as a person."
Black Comedy with a Punch
The film balances absurdity and sharp social commentary, combining Go Myung's mission with Mr. Nobody's eccentric schemes. It leans into the genre's full potential—dark, humorous, and thought-provoking. "It's the kind of comedy that surprises you in the end, but also leaves you with comfort," Hong Kyung teased.
Good News will stream worldwide on Netflix starting October 17.
