On February 9, 2020, Parasite shocked Hollywood by winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. But anyone who saw the movie wasn’t really surprised — it’s an instant masterpiece, one that’s both fascinating to ponder and entertaining to watch. 

In Seoul, South Korea, a lower-class family cons their way into the circle of a wealthy family who has everything they desire: a big house, a fancy car and plenty of food and drink to consume. But as the poor family grows closer to their benefactors, class lines begin to blur and soon a buried secret threatens both families. 

To say more would be a crime, as Parasite’s twisty narrative is best enjoyed unspoiled. The director, Bong Joon-ho, has something to say about how class works in his home country and how the rich really are just the worst. But Parasite also works as a purely entertaining thriller, with a denouement that just might break your heart.