Even though theaters are closed, we are still getting a few new releases from streaming services. Last week Hulu added the award-winning film ‘Parasite’.

I’m going to tell you now- watch ‘Parasite’. It is a film that will go down in history for many reasons. It is an incredibly made film worth repeated viewings.

I narrowly avoided ‘Parasite’ for the longest time because I was afraid that it was being overhyped. However, after director Bong Joon Ho won several Oscars at the Academy Awards I thought it might be worth a watch.

And boy-howdy he deserved every single Academy Award won that night. ‘Parasite’ is one of the best movies of 2019. It is beautiful, funny, scary and sad.

The film is difficult to explain and shouldn’t go into too much detail because it has so many twists and turns. But it is about a poor family and their interactions with a rich family. There is a deep underlining meaning of social class that is told in an eye-opening way rather than coming off as preachy.

“I just hope that it gives audiences a lot to think about. It is in parts funny, frightening and sad, and if it makes viewers feel like sharing a drink and talking over all the ideas they had while watching it, I’ll wish for nothing more,” said Ho.

Ho has directed a few films, including ‘The Host’, ‘Snowpiercer’, and ‘Okja’. ‘The Host’ can be found on Hulu and the latter two films are both on Netflix. I would recommend giving them a watch. However, ‘Parasite’ was a different level for Ho. Every single shot said something and had a purpose to be there.

There are so many subtle cues in the film that serve as a huge symbol to what it is about. For instance, stairs are used to depict the rise and decline into the social class of society. Rain is used to show how weather effects people differently. The house was designed so we see the social differences between the poor family and the wealthy family. Everything in the film is pulled together to create a masterpiece.

I think more people need to watch foreign cinema. There are some original films out there that people won’t watch because they are in a foreign language. Ho has even mentioned this in a recent interview.

“Once you overcome the 1-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films,” said Ho.

‘Parasite’ is a strange film. It begins as a comedy, but with one moment in the film, it turns into horror. The transition from comedy to horror should have turned this film into a disaster. However, Ho directs with masterclass skill that he pulls off the fluidity with ease.

The first half of the film is full of smart jokes while setting up the second half of the film. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the poor family and their interactions with the rich family that they get involved with. However, when the twist in the film occurs, it keeps the audience on the edge of their seat.

The second half of the film is pure terror. It is not jam packed with the cheap jump scares that ruin horror films.

There is a single shot during the transition into the horror genre that is more terrifying than most horror films in the past decade. The shot alone sent chills down my spine. I literally had goosebumps appear down my arms.

After watching the film, I am surprised the father of the poor family was not nominated for an Oscar. He is fantastic portraying this out of work father who would do anything for his family.

All the actors in this film were on point. Every single one of them seemed like they cared about the material and had passion to get the film made. That is what made this film so great.

When a director and his/her crew have a desire to make a film, something special is made. A film that exceeds expectations and goes down in history. That is exactly what we got with ‘Parasite’. It deserves to be seen over and over again. There is nothing better than a film with a voice and passion.