Crooked Table Podcast: ‘Parasite’ (featuring Sade Glover of Offscreen Babble)

Foreign films usually make a very limited impact at the domestic box office. At best, they mostly wind up attracting love from critics or perhaps some prestige awards. Almost never do they break into the mainstream the way Parasite has. Co-writer/director Bong Joon Ho’s film blends dark comedy, thriller, and horror elements into an irresistible bit of social commentary.

Now Sade Glover of Offscreen Babble returns to the show for a deep, spoiler-filled dive into Parasite. The last time Sade was on the show, we discussed the warmth, compassion, and bittersweet hilarity of The Farewell. Now join us as we talk all about the intricate plotting, stellar ensemble cast, and expert tonal balance of Bong’s Oscar-nominated Parasite. “Respect!”

SYNOPSIS

Bong Joon Ho brings his singular mastery home to Korea in this pitch-black modern fairytale. Meet the Park Family: the picture of aspirational wealth. And the Kim Family, rich in street smarts but not much else. Be it chance or fate, these two houses are brought together and the Kims sense a golden opportunity. Before long, greed and class discrimination threaten the newly formed symbiotic relationship between the wealthy Park family and the destitute Kim clan. By turns darkly hilarious and heart-wrenching, Parasite showcases a modern master at the top of his game.