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A Normal Family

A Normal Family (Korean: 보통의 가족; RR: Botong-ui Gajok) is a 2023 South Korean drama directed by and written by Park Eun-kyo and Park Joon-seok, serving as the fourth cinematic adaptation of Dutch author Herman Koch's 2009 bestselling novel The Dinner. The story centers on two affluent brothers—one a successful , the other a principled pediatrician—and their wives, who gather for a tense dinner to grapple with the consequences of a violent hit-and-run accident perpetrated by their teenage children, forcing them to confront issues of , , and family loyalty. The film stars as Jae-wan, the pragmatic lawyer defending a wealthy client's son in the hit-and-run case; as Jae-gyu, the ethical doctor who places above personal gain; as Jae-wan's wife, a strong-willed ; and as Jae-gyu's spouse, adding layers to the familial tensions. The film premiered at the and was theatrically released in on October 16, 2024, receiving a limited U.S. theatrical release on April 25, 2025, with a runtime of 116 minutes and classification in the genres of , , and . Hur Jin-ho, known for his introspective explorations of human relationships in films like (2001) and (1998), adapts Koch's novel by infusing it with Korean cultural nuances around class disparity and parental responsibility, while maintaining the original's suspenseful structure of nonlinear storytelling and escalating ethical dilemmas. Critically acclaimed, A Normal Family holds an 89% approval rating on based on 18 reviews as of November 2025, praised for its riveting tension, strong performances, and thoughtful examination of "normalcy" in dysfunctional elite families. On , it scores 7.1 out of 10 from nearly 2,000 user ratings as of November 2025, highlighting its blend of emotional depth and elements.

Background

Source material

A Normal Family is based on the 2009 novel Het diner (English: The Dinner) by Dutch author , first published by Ambo|Anthos in the . The story unfolds over the course of a single dinner at an upscale restaurant between two brothers, their wives, and indirectly their teenage sons, who have committed a violent act captured on video and now facing public scrutiny. The narrative structure alternates between the tense present-day conversation during the meal—divided into sections mirroring the courses (Aperitif, Appetizer, , , and Digestif)—and nonlinear flashbacks revealing the events leading to the crime, building suspense through gradual disclosures without resolving the central incident until late in the book. The novel explores profound moral dilemmas of parenthood, particularly the extremes to which parents will go to shield their children from consequences, intertwined with themes of class privilege, family secrets, and the ethical fallout of concealing crimes. One brother is a celebrated with a seemingly perfect life, while the narrator, a teacher, grapples with personal failures and resentment, highlighting how shapes responses to crisis. These elements underscore the and within bourgeois families, probing the tension between societal expectations and individual accountability. Critically, The Dinner became an international bestseller, reaching the ninth position on the New York Times list and translated into 42 languages, cementing Koch's global reputation. It garnered praise for its psychological depth and taut exploration of human flaws, with reviewers noting its gripping portrayal of malice and moral ambiguity during an ostensibly civilized meal. However, some critics and readers faulted the book for its unlikeable characters, particularly the unreliable, bitter narrator, and found the unrelenting cynicism detracting from its impact. The novel's universal depiction of strained family dynamics and parental complicity made it ripe for into A Normal Family, the first Asian cinematic version, which transposes the story to to examine local societal pressures. In the context, the themes resonate with intense educational —evident in the academic burdens on college-bound teens and the role of cram schools in fostering —and stark wealth disparities, where allows the affluent to manipulate outcomes while ordinary families face harsher realities. This cultural shift amplifies the original's critique of class-driven hypocrisy, reflecting how and high-stakes exacerbate moral conflicts in contemporary society.

Adaptations

The novel The Dinner by , published in 2009, has inspired three prior cinematic adaptations before the Korean film A Normal Family. The first was the 2013 Dutch film Het Diner, directed by , which stars Jacob Derwig, , and Daan Schuurmans as the two couples confronting their sons' crime during a tense meal. This version closely follows the novel's setting and narrative structure, emphasizing restraint and subtle interpersonal dynamics through its minimalist dialogue and performances. The second adaptation, the 2014 Italian film I nostri ragazzi (translated as The Dinner or Our Boys), was directed by Ivano De Matteo and features an ensemble cast including , , and . Set in contemporary , it shifts focus toward on class privilege, , and societal , using the dinner scene to critique bourgeois complacency in the face of moral decay. The film received a nomination for the Youth Award, recognizing its impact on younger audiences, though it did not secure major wins. The third adaptation arrived in 2017 with the American film The Dinner, written and directed by , starring , , , and . Relocating the story to the , this version amplifies elements, incorporating flashbacks and heightened tension to explore and ethical unraveling among the affluent protagonists. Commercially, it underperformed, earning $1.3 million at the domestic against a modest budget, and garnered mixed critical reception with a 46% approval rating on , praised for its acting but criticized for narrative fragmentation. These multiple adaptations stem from the novel's versatile structure—a confined dinner setting that allows for nonlinear and deep psychological —and its timeless ethical dilemmas regarding parental , , and , which resonate across diverse cultural contexts. Koch's international bestseller status, translated into 42 languages, has fueled interest from global filmmakers seeking to reinterpret its universal themes. A Normal Family (2024), directed by Hur Jin-ho, represents the fourth adaptation overall and the first in Asia, transposing the narrative to a Korean milieu to emphasize emotional intimacy and familial bonds typical of the director's style and Korean cinema's focus on subtle relational nuances.

Production

Development

Director Hur Jin-ho, renowned for his melodramas such as Christmas in August (1998) and One Warm Word (2013), selected the project to delve into the complexities of family bonds tested by moral dilemmas and societal pressures. He was drawn to the source material's exploration of parental decisions in crisis, prompting personal reflection on how such scenarios might unfold in a Korean context, where socioeconomic disparities and educational expectations amplify family tensions. Hur's vision emphasized the duality of characters navigating ethical boundaries, portraying a seemingly normal family unraveling under the weight of privilege and responsibility. The screenplay was crafted by Park Eun-kyo and Park Joon-seok, who localized the story for South Korean audiences by integrating elements of intense parental expectations and urban affluence. Their highlighted the competitive pressures of Korea's system and class hierarchies, transforming the narrative into a commentary on how affluent families confront moral stress in a high-stakes societal framework. Key adaptation choices included shifting the central dinner scene to a luxurious restaurant in , underscoring family dynamics and to figures. The story incorporated local nuances, such as a incident as the inciting event and explorations of the legal system through a prosecutor's perspective, to emphasize cultural attitudes toward justice and hierarchy. The film was produced by Hive Media Corp. and HIGROUND Co. Ltd., with development leading to its completion in by mid-2023.

Casting

The principal cast of A Normal Family features as Yang Jae-wan, the elder brother and a pragmatic who prioritizes material success and rational decision-making in the face of moral dilemmas. selection for the role draws on his established experience portraying morally ambiguous legal figures, notably his lead performance as a principled yet conflicted in the 2013 film , which showcased his ability to convey internal ethical tensions. portrays Yang Jae-gyu, Jae-wan's younger brother and an idealistic pediatrician who grapples with upholding amid a crisis. This marks return to s after a six-year primarily focused work, allowing him to embody a character driven by principled integrity in contrast to his brother's pragmatism. plays Lee Yeon-kyung, Jae-gyu's devoted wife, bringing her veteran status in emotionally charged family-centric narratives to the role, as seen in her acclaimed performances in dramas exploring marital and parental conflicts. assumes the part of Ji-su, Jae-wan's sophisticated second wife, leveraging her international profile from projects like Avengers: (2015) and (2014–2016) to add a layer of modern, global allure to the character's poised demeanor in this, her debut Korean . Supporting roles emphasize the film's focus on familial and societal repercussions, with young actors portraying the teenage children central to the plot's inciting incident. appears as Yang Hye-yoon, Jae-wan's daughter, while plays Yang Si-ho, Jae-gyu's son, both contributing to the ensemble's depiction of youth entangled in adult moral quandaries. Additional supporting performers include as Seon-ju, the mother of the crime's young victim, underscoring the broader impact on affected families. The casting process prioritized an ensemble dynamic to heighten the interpersonal tensions among the lead performers, ensuring that the star-driven narrative did not overshadow the intimate family interactions at the story's core.

Filming

Principal photography for A Normal Family commenced in and spanned several months, with production wrapping in time for the film's world premiere at the in September 2023. The shoot was primarily based in , , to capture the urban, affluent setting central to the story's family dynamics. Key filming locations included upscale interiors and exteriors in , reflecting the characters' professional and social lives, as well as select sites in Chungnam Province to portray specific narrative elements. The pediatric sequences featuring Jae-gyu were shot at Nonsan Da Jeong Nursing Hospital, providing a realistic medical environment. Flashback scenes depicting the road rage incident utilized urban streets in Hongseong Naepo New City, emphasizing the chaotic public setting of the event. Additional locations in the province, such as Boryeongjeong and Seosan Yeonsuam, contributed to establishing the film's tense, everyday locales, earning the production a Chungnam Location Incentive award. Cinematographer Go Rak-sun employed digital cameras to achieve intimate close-ups that heightened the emotional intensity of family interactions, particularly during the pivotal dinner sequences. Editor Kim Hyung-joo skillfully interwove the film's non-linear timelines, blending present-day confrontations with past events to build suspense without disrupting narrative flow. The production faced logistical hurdles typical of mid-pandemic shoots in South Korea, including adherence to COVID-19 protocols that occasionally delayed schedules and required on-set precautions. Cast members highlighted challenges in capturing authentic family tension, with dinner scenes requiring multiple takes—up to eight for key moments—to convey subtle shifts from civility to unease, using varying camera distances to mirror the escalating psychological strain. Post-production was completed by mid-2023, incorporating sound design by Park Yong-ki that emphasized understated audio cues, such as ambient restaurant murmurs and tense silences, to underscore the dinners' underlying conflicts.

Synopsis and cast

Plot

A Normal Family employs a non-linear structure, interweaving tense family dinners among two affluent brothers and their wives with flashbacks that reveal the backstory of a traumatic incident. The story centers on Jae-wan, a pragmatic and successful criminal defense attorney, and his younger brother Jae-gyu, an idealistic pediatric surgeon, who maintain a of elaborate dinners to strengthen familial bonds despite their contrasting worldviews. Jae-wan's second wife, Ji-su, embodies calculated poise, while Jae-gyu's spouse, Yeon-kyung, reflects a commitment to ethical volunteerism. Their teenage children—Jae-wan's daughter Hye-yoon and Jae-gyu's son Si-ho—become pivotal as hidden truths surface, forcing the adults to confront the consequences of their offspring's actions. The inciting event unfolds through flashbacks as a road rage altercation in which the teenagers, driving together, strike and kill a man while gravely injuring his young daughter, an act captured on surveillance footage that draws scrutiny. These revelations disrupt the brothers' otherwise harmonious gatherings, escalating into heated debates over how to shield the family from legal repercussions. Jae-wan advocates leveraging wealth, professional connections, and influence to suppress evidence and mitigate fallout, highlighting a shaped by and . In contrast, Jae-gyu grapples with moral imperatives, weighing and against the devastation it could wrought on their lives, which strains his and exposes underlying resentments. The parents' arcs delve into profound guilt, as they navigate the between unconditional and the pursuit of justice, all while the siblings' involvement deepens the emotional chasms within the group. Thematically, the film critiques the corrosive effects of socioeconomic privilege in contemporary South Korean society, illustrating how affluence enables evasion of accountability and perpetuates . Key events explore the ripple effects of the , including viral exposure of related aggressive behavior by the teens and the mounting pressure of potential prosecution, which fractures familial unity and prompts introspection on parenting failures. Without offering simplistic resolutions, the narrative builds toward a climactic confrontation that underscores irreconcilable tensions, leaving viewers to ponder the costs of versus . This structure draws brief influence from the The Dinner by , adapting its dinner-centric framework to amplify cultural nuances of Korean family dynamics.

Cast

The principal cast of A Normal Family features as Jae-wan, the ambitious lawyer who prioritizes professional success and takes on high-profile cases. Sul is renowned for his intense dramatic roles, including his portrayal of a whistleblower in the 2011 film Silenced. plays Jae-gyu, the ethical pediatrician guided by strong moral principles in his medical practice. Jang gained acclaim for his leading role as a loyal friend in the 2001 blockbuster Friend. portrays Yeon-kyung, Jae-gyu's supportive wife. She is celebrated for her commanding performance as a vengeful spouse in the 2020 television series . stars as Ji-su, Jae-wan's pragmatic second wife. Kim is known internationally for her role as Dr. Helen Cho in Marvel's Avengers: (2015). In supporting roles, appears as Hye-yoon, Jae-wan's daughter and one of the teenagers involved in the hit-and-run. plays Si-ho, Jae-gyu and Yeon-kyung's son and one of the teenage perpetrators involved in the crime. Byun Jung-hee portrays the brothers' mother, adding depth to the family dynamics. The ensemble of experienced actors, many with histories of depicting intricate interpersonal tensions, contributes to the authentic portrayal of strained familial relationships under moral pressure.

Release

Premiere and festivals

A Normal Family had its world premiere on September 14, 2023, at the 48th () in the Gala Presentations section. Following its debut, the film screened at 19 international festivals, including the Film Festival in 2024, the in 2024, and a special premiere in the Korean Cinema Today section at the 29th in October 2024. The festival circuit generated positive buzz for the film's tense exploration of family dynamics and moral dilemmas, with particular praise for the performances, including Jang Dong-gun's return to leading roles after a hiatus. It also earned early accolades, such as the Best Screenplay Award at the 44th Fantasporto International Film Festival and recognition at the 39th Mons International Film Festival (detailed further in the Festival awards section). These screenings provided limited but strategic international exposure in and , helping to build anticipation ahead of the film's commercial release in on October 16, 2024. Promotional events at included post-screening Q&As with director and cast members , , , and , where discussions highlighted the challenges of adapting Herman Koch's novel The Dinner to a context.

Distribution

A Normal Family was released theatrically in South Korea on October 16, 2024, distributed by Hive Media Corp. and Mindmark, with the fall timing strategically aimed at positioning the film for awards consideration during the domestic season. The release had been postponed from an initial October 9, 2024, date announced earlier that month, a decision attributed to final adjustments in marketing and distribution logistics following the film's festival circuit. This delay was part of a broader strategy, as the film—having premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023—held back its domestic theatrical rollout from an earlier 2023 window to build international buzz and refine post-production elements for optimal awards potential. The marketing campaign highlighted the film's moral thriller elements through a series of teasers and trailers that focused on the tense family dinner confrontation and the ethical dilemmas faced by the protagonists, drawing viewers into the psychological suspense. Official posters prominently featured the four lead actors—Sul Kyung-gu, Jang Dong-gun, Kim Hee-ae, and Claudia Kim—seated around a dinner table, evoking the central narrative device while underscoring themes of hidden family secrets. Capitalizing on the source material's established popularity, promotional efforts included tie-ins referencing Herman Koch's novel The Dinner, such as adapted excerpts in press kits and social media discussions of the book's influence on the screenplay. Internationally, the film received limited theatrical releases in select markets. In , it was released in (January 17, 2025), , , and . In , released it on June 11, 2025, via Diaphana Distribution. In the United States, Room 8 Films handled a limited release on April 25, 2025. The film earned a 15+ rating from the in , citing depictions of violence, including a vehicular and its aftermath, as well as involving moral corruption and familial conflict. No significant alterations were reported for the domestic version, aligning with standard guidelines for content.

Reception

Critical response

A Normal Family received mixed to positive , earning a 7.1/10 rating on from nearly 2,000 user votes and an 89% approval rating on based on 18 critic reviews as of late 2025. Critics widely praised the film's tense atmosphere and standout performances, particularly those of and as the conflicted parents, while some noted criticisms regarding predictable plot twists and an occasionally forced resolution. In , domestic reviewers lauded director Hur Jin-ho's handling of emotional depth, with highlighting the film's exploration of parental guilt and moral dilemmas, describing it as maintaining tight tension despite tackling uncomfortable themes. Publications like Cine21 commended the performances of Sul and for conveying the raw hypocrisy within affluent families, and several critics appreciated how the Korean infused fresh cultural nuances, such as societal pressures on privilege and , distinguishing it from the source material. Internationally, the film garnered attention following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023, where reviewers emphasized its moral complexity and subtle examination of class inequalities. Variety described it as a "complex, complacency-shattering moral study" with strong potential for global appeal, praising the heightened yet relatable premise and the ensemble's chemistry. Comparisons to previous adaptations of Herman Koch's novel The Dinner often favored the Korean version for its restrained subtlety and focus on familial bonds over overt sensationalism. Critiques commonly delved into themes of parental , portraying how the protagonists' decisions expose the fragility of "normal" family dynamics under ethical strain. Reviewers noted the strong ensemble chemistry that heightened the drama's interpersonal tensions, though minor pacing issues in the flashback sequences were occasionally cited as detracting from the narrative flow. In interviews, director discussed infusing the story with Korean family values, emphasizing ironic situations that reveal human duality and the cultural emphasis on protecting children at any cost. Actors and shared insights into their preparations, with Sul focusing on embodying the internal conflict of a high-powered and Kim exploring the emotional layers of a mother's protective instincts through extensive and discussions with Hur.

Box office

A Normal Family opened at at the South Korean box office, earning $1.44 million (approximately ₩1.98 billion) during its first weekend from October 18–20, 2024, across 1,087 screens. The film drew 206,898 admissions in that period, benefiting from strong word-of-mouth following its festival premieres. By the end of its 2024 theatrical run, it accumulated a total domestic gross of $4.28 million (approximately ₩5.92 billion) and attracted 650,336 viewers overall. The film's screen count gradually declined amid competition from major releases, dropping to 818 screens in its second week, 661 in the third, and 445 by the fourth week, when earnings fell to $114,172. Despite being displaced to second place by the Hollywood blockbuster : The Last Dance in its second weekend, A Normal Family sustained performance through subsequent weeks, supported by awards buzz and critical acclaim that encouraged repeat viewings among audiences interested in its family drama themes. Internationally, the film earned roughly $2.1 million from limited releases in markets including and , with its strongest showing in at $1.99 million. This brought the worldwide total to $6.39 million, marking a modest commercial success for an independent South Korean drama reliant on festival exposure and selective distribution rather than wide blockbuster appeal.

Accolades

Festival awards

A Normal Family received several accolades at international film festivals following its world premiere at the in September 2023. These early honors provided international validation for the film's screenplay, an adaptation of Herman Koch's novel The Dinner, underscoring its narrative strength in exploring moral dilemmas within a family dynamic. At the 44th Fantasporto International in , , held from March 1 to 9, 2024, the film won the Best Screenplay award in the Directors' Week section, awarded to writers Park Eun-kyo and Park Joon-seok. Similarly, at the 39th International Love in , concluding in March 2024, A Normal Family secured the Best Screenplay award, again recognizing the script's taut construction and psychological depth. The film was nominated for Best Film at the 26th Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy in April–May 2024, where it had its Italian premiere as part of the main competition. Additionally, it was nominated for the Young Cineastes Award for director Hur Jin-ho at the 35th Palm Springs International Film Festival in January 2024, in the Country Focus: South Korea sidebar. These festival achievements in early 2024 generated momentum on the international circuit, affirming the film's appeal beyond and contributing to its broader distribution prospects.

Domestic awards

At the 61st held in 2025, received the Best Supporting Actress award for her portrayal of Ji-su in A Normal Family, recognizing her nuanced performance in highlighting familial tensions and moral dilemmas. Jang Dong-gun was honored with the Yu Hyun-mok Film Art Award at the 34th in September 2025 for his role as Jae-gyu, a principled pediatrician with ethical conflicts, an that celebrates lifetime contributions to Korean cinema through character depth. The film earned nominations at the 34th , including Best New Actress for , underscoring emerging talent in supporting roles. As of November 2025, A Normal Family secured nominations at the 46th , scheduled for November 19, with nominated for for his lead role as Jae-wan, a pragmatic navigating and justice. Outcomes remain pending following the announcement of nominees on October 21. In June 2025, the film was named one of Variety's "10 Best Films of 2025," further affirming its critical reception. These domestic accolades, particularly for acting achievements, amplified the film's reputation for delivering intense, character-driven narratives that explore class and family dynamics in contemporary .