Diva (2020) dives into the world of competitive diving and explores the psychological unraveling of its lead character, Lee-young. Directed by a visionary filmmaker, the film attempts to blend elements of psychological horror with the grace and beauty of the sport. While Diva showcases intriguing concepts and offers visual allure, it falls short of its ambitions in terms of overall entertainment and character development.
Plot and Themes
Diva centers around Lee-young, a celebrated athlete in the world of diving, known as the "Diving Diva." After a tragic car accident with her teammate Su-jin, Lee-young awakens in the hospital with no memory of the incident. As she tries to regain her diving form, Lee-young begins experiencing horrifying visions that transform her once graceful dives into terrifying acts.
The film explores themes of competition, jealousy, and the lengths individuals go to maintain their position at the top. The concept of the "diva" in the film symbolizes fame and dominance within a talent hierarchy, but its significance is not fully realized by the end. Diva touches on the collateral damage that can occur between friends in the pursuit of success but lacks deeper insight into the supporting characters' minds.
Performances and Execution
Shin Min-a delivers a solid performance as Lee-young, capturing the character's descent into darkness. However, limitations within the script or directing decisions prevent Shin from fully embracing the character's evolution. The supporting performances are adequate but somewhat one-dimensional, leaving the audience craving a deeper connection to the characters' experiences.
Visuals and Entertainment Value
Diva shines in its visual presentation, showcasing the stark contrast between the beauty of diving and the inner turmoil faced by its protagonist. The cinematography captures the allure of the sport and creates a sense of mystery. However, the film struggles to maintain its suspense and relies on repetitive suspenseful moments, diminishing the desired impact. Additionally, the horror elements feel recycled from earlier scenes, reducing their climactic effectiveness.
Conclusion
Diva (2020) ventures into the psychological unraveling of its lead character within the competitive world of diving. While the film showcases intriguing concepts and offers visually appealing moments, it falls short of its ambitions in terms of overall entertainment value and character development. Diva's storyline would have benefitted from a more focused and concise approach, potentially working better as a short film. Nonetheless, Diva remains watchable, albeit not leaving a lasting impression on its audience.
Diva (2020) - info
- Release date: 23, Sep 2020
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller
- Director: Jo Seul-yeah
- Writer: Seul-yeah Jo, Young-sun Yoo
- Stars: Heo Dong-won, Ji-hye Kwa, kLee Kyoo-hyung