Well Go USA acquires Yeon Sang-ho's 'Paradise Lost' ahead of TIFF premiere

Well Go USA secures North American rights

Well Go USA Entertainment has acquired "Paradise Lost," the new mystery-thriller from South Korean director Yeon Sang-ho, ahead of the film's world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Variety reports the acquisition continues Well Go USA's longstanding relationship with Yeon, whose previous films distributed by the company include the zombie blockbuster "Train to Busan," as well as "The Ugly" and "Colony."

An AI-driven story of grief and identity

"Paradise Lost" follows a mother whose young son mysteriously disappears along with a bus full of children; years later, he unexpectedly returns, but has changed in ways she could never have imagined. In a statement reported by Bloody Disgusting and Variety, Yeon described the film as "a psychological thriller that dives deep into the abyss of a mother, caught between the son she resurrected in a virtual world through AI and the son who returns after being presumed dead." The film stars Kim Hyun-joo and Bae Hyeon-seong, both reuniting with Yeon after appearing in Netflix's "Hellbound," according to Dread Central. Yeon added, "Even though 'Colony' and 'Paradise Lost' are entirely different in the way they present fear and entertainment, I hope North American audiences are able to enjoy both."

TIFF Special Presentations slot

"Paradise Lost" will bow Sept. 13 at Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theater as part of TIFF's Special Presentations lineup, marking Yeon's fourth appearance at the festival, Variety reports. Well Go USA plans to release the film in the U.S. following its TIFF premiere, though a specific theatrical date has not been announced. Well Go USA president and CEO Doris Pfardrescher called "Paradise Lost" a "gripping and deeply human mystery that showcases his singular ability to find terror in the most intimate places," adding that audiences are "in for a haunting, emotionally resonant experience," per Bloody Disgusting and Variety.