On August 17, 2026, Ukrainian cinemas are preparing for the premiere of one of the most anticipated science-fiction blockbusters of the year — the film 'Hope' by director Na Hong-jin. The film, which became a sensation at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, promises to reimagine the alien invasion genre by combining a tense thriller, social drama, and large-scale action. Already now, the distributor Green Light Films has presented a localized trailer, and audiences have learned the exact release dates of the film.

Plot: From a Tiger Hunt to a Cosmic Threat

The film is set in the fictional remote village of Hope Harbor, located near the demilitarized zone. The plot begins with a relatively prosaic problem: the head of the local police station, Bom-sok, receives alarming reports about the appearance of a tiger. However, the situation quickly worsens — the village is cut off from the outside world due to massive forest fires.

In conditions of isolation and growing panic, Bom-sok, together with Officer Song-ye, tries to protect the residents. The hunt for the wild beast, which initially seemed like a local problem, quickly gets out of control. What the residents take for an animal attack turns out to be only the beginning of a global catastrophe. The villagers encounter aliens, and the unknown creatures pose a threat to all of humanity.

Star Cast and Directorial Style

In the lead role is Hoyeon, the star of the Netflix hit 'Squid Game' and a famous South Korean model. In the new film, she plays a local police officer who finds herself at the center of the fight against an unknown threat. Along with Hoyeon, the film stars Hwang Jung-min, Cho Jin-woong, as well as international stars: Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell, and Cameron Britton.

The film is directed by Na Hong-jin, known for his works 'The Chaser', 'The Yellow Sea', and 'The Call'. His films traditionally combine thriller, crime drama, mystical elements, and an authorial approach to storytelling. 'Hope' is his fourth feature film. As the director himself noted: 'This story is about how all the tragedies of the world are born from misunderstandings'.

Locations and Design: Why CGI Gave Way to Reality

To create the fictional city of Hope Harbor, a real village in South Korea was reconstructed, building large-scale sets with streets, shops, and a square. Filming also took place in Retezat National Park in Romania, on Jeju Island, and in Hapcheon. The bet on real locations instead of excessive CGI helped create a more convincing and atmospheric world in the film.

Na Hong-jin creates alien creatures for the first time not as antagonists, but as full-fledged characters. The design was created for almost seven years with the participation of international specialists. The film combines science fiction, action, thriller tension, and unexpected elements of humor.

Release Date in Ukraine

Ukrainian audiences will be able to see the film from September 3, 2026, in IMAX format, and from September 10, 2026 — in all cinemas of the country. The premiere will take place as part of a wide distribution organized by Green Light Films.