The gray world has suddenly turned pink. The previously bland heart becomes infinitely positive. It's strange and childish, but watching them makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, so I must have been infected. This is a harmlessly addictive healing 'virus' (written and directed by Kang Yi-gwan).
The film is a cheeky hot pink comedy about translator Ok Taek-seon (Bae Doo-na), who is on the verge of losing her romantic cells, going on a disastrous blind date with the perpetually single researcher Nam Soo-pil (Son Seok-koo) from a sexual medical foundation. It is based on the novel 'Youth Extreme Period' by writer Lee Ji-min, published in 2010.
From their first meeting, Soo-pil relentlessly pursues affection, even suggesting marriage. However, after meeting this quirky man, Taek-seon's world becomes even more bizarre. It's not just that she can't help but smile; she finds herself drawn to a flashy dress she usually wouldn't wear, and even the group messages from her old classmate (Jang Ki-ha) that used to annoy her now excite her.
Among them, researcher Dr. Lee Kyun (Kim Yoon-seok) is the most attractive. However, Taek-seon learns that all these symptoms are due to her infection with the 'Toxo virus.' The 'Toxo virus' originates from the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which uses cats as hosts. When it transfers to rats, it disrupts the frontal lobe and induces depression, but in humans, it has the opposite effect. The problem is that this excessive happiness comes with red spots and vision impairment after a day, ultimately leading to death. Soo-pil tries his best to save her with all his conscience and sincerity.
The premise of a virus that makes you fall in love is charming. The megaphone connects the virus not merely as a disease or disaster but with love. This contrasts sharply with how it is typically portrayed in existing genre films as an object of fear or merely a negative aspect, often linked to disaster films. It's fresh, cheeky, and fairy-tale-like. It depicts a woman's delightful and warm journey to find a cure to survive.
Thus, it is quirky and unique. It may seem like an underground film, but it also has a relatable aspect that draws you in the more you watch. Its 4D-like personality teeters on the edge of mainstream appeal. Genre preferences are bound to be sharply divided.
Nevertheless, what is clear is that it is not common, its identity is solid, and it is rarely seen as harmless these days. Love, like a virus, can come and be healed, and after a significant bout, immunity can be enhanced, making one stronger. The strange connection that seems out of place is cute and intriguing. It's a marvelous harmony of F and T.
The chemistry among the actors is particularly good. Bae Doo-na, who has mostly been seen with a blank expression in zombie or detective films, shines brightly, and the seasoned Kim Yoon-seok is charming as a melodrama male lead. Son Seok-koo and Jang Ki-ha fulfill their roles perfectly with their remarkable timing.
The film, which began shooting in July 2019 and wrapped up in October, finally meets audiences after a whopping six years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime, the world has changed significantly. The film's novel settings have already become reality, yet they do not feel overly unrealistic.
The risk lies not in the gap but in the polarizing nature of the work itself. For some, it may be difficult to immerse themselves from the start. As a love story that is close to a farce, its virtues may not necessarily be maximized on screen. Nevertheless, I would recommend getting infected at least once. Just watching the pleasant changes might bring a smile to your face. As the actors say, it is a rare, kind, and unique healing film that breaks the mold in today's Chungmuro.
Released on May 7. Rated for ages 12 and up. Running time 98 minutes.
