Overview

• Premiering in competition on Aug. 29, the film received a lengthy standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival.
• Early reactions were broadly positive, with multiple outlets praising Lee Byung-hun’s lead turn and some calling the title a festival standout.
• Adapted from Donald E. Westlake’s The Ax, the story tracks a laid-off paper-industry veteran, with Park updating the backdrop to an AI-driven, automated workplace.
• CJ ENM financed the production, with Park and Back Jisun among producers; Neon holds U.S. and Canada rights and Mubi controls numerous international territories.
• The rollout includes opening the Busan International Film Festival on Sept. 17 and a South Korean theatrical release on Sept. 24, with additional fall festival play positioning it for awards-season discussion.