Handsome Guys, the 2024 South Korean comedy horror film, stands as a welcome exception in a local industry often hesitant to commit fully to the comedy genre. Marking an impressive feature debut for writer-director Nam Dong-hyup, the movie is a vibrant, chaotic, and ultimately very funny adaptation of the 2010 Canadian horror-comedy, Tucker & Dale vs. Evil. Starring the reliably brilliant Lee Sung-min and Lee Hee-jun—reuniting here in roles far removed from their solemn turns in The Man Standing Next—the film is a pitch-perfect blend of satire, slapstick, and supernatural splatter.
The premise is a goldmine for comedic misinterpretation. Jae-pil (Lee Sung-min) and Sang-goo (Lee Hee-jun), two genuine but outwardly gruff carpenters, are convinced of their own dashing good looks as they excitedly move into their dilapidated dream house in the woods. Their dream of a “rustic” life is instantly shattered. Their intimidating appearances immediately earn them suspicion from local police officers (including an underutilized but hilarious Park Ji-hwan), and worse, they become the focus of a catastrophic misunderstanding involving a group of college students camping nearby. After rescuing Mi-na (Gong Seung-yeon) from almost drowning, the duo are instantly mistaken for chainsaw-wielding kidnappers, setting off a chain of events where the students accidentally off themselves in increasingly gruesome and ridiculous ways while trying to “save” their friend.
The Heart of the Humor Amidst the Hell
What makes Handsome Guys more than just a competent remake is its full-throated commitment to the absurdity of the situation and the undeniable chemistry between its leads. Lee Sung-min and Lee Hee-jun are phenomenal, playing their characters with a sweet, almost naive disposition that completely contrasts with their rugged exteriors and the sheer horror unfolding around them. Their straight-faced reactions to the mounting body count—”Why do people keep showing up at our house just to die?”—are comedy gold, effortlessly inducing laughter even as the screen is drenched in blood. The film masterfully exploits this contrast; the gruesomeness of the death scenes, often reaching the levels of outright gore films, is perfectly balanced by the protagonists’ endearing, gentle natures, serving as a constant reminder of the film’s core theme: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
Director Nam Dong-hyup expertly transplants the original’s American horror staples—with clear homages to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Evil Dead—into a distinctly Korean context, while also adding layers of occult horror. The introduction of an evil spirit, a demon goat, a basement sigil, and a back-story involving a botched exorcism gives the narrative a delightful, manic energy. The plot, initially overwhelming, unfolds organically thanks to the convincing portrayals and the seamless genre-blending. The film throws everything into the mix—comedy, slasher, occult, and even a dash of romance—and yet, it remains anchored by the buffoonery and a singular goal: to make the audience laugh.
A Refreshing, Gory Gem
While the narrative is largely derivative of its source material, Handsome Guys succeeds in establishing its own voice, proving to be even funnier and goofier than the original, especially as the story careens toward its end. The special effects are deliberately clunky in places—the demonic goat model is a highlight of this charmingly low-fi approach—only adding to the comedic charm. The film is a much-needed treat for fans of comedy and slasher genres who have endured a long drought, and a strong calling card for director Nam. It is a bold, energetic, and often hilarious watch, though potential viewers must be warned: it includes plenty of gory elements and buckets of blood.
CINEMA SPICE RATING: ★★★ (3/5)
