Night and Day – Movie Review & Film Summary

Young Taek has the DART virus, a rare condition transmitted through sweat, blood, or sex. People with this disease become allergic to sunlight. They experience intense symptoms, such as breaking out in hives from prolonged exposure to the sun. Young Taek caught this virus a few years ago, and his life changed dramatically since then. Day jobs are impossible. Going outside during the daytime can be hazardous. Now, he's stuck with night shifts, blackout curtains, and a strict no-sun policy.

Young Taek is in a long-term relationship with Eui Jun, a freelancer and aspiring actor. Due to Young Taek's condition, the couple can't go outside together during the day. Instead, they have adjusted to a nightlife routine. Despite the inconvenience, they're genuinely happy. For Eui Jun's birthday, Young Taek plans a late-night trip to the mountain, where they enjoy the city view. He even brings along a tiny birthday cake, which pleases Eui Jun.

When Young Taek asks about his boyfriend's birthday wish, he assumes Eui Jun will bring up his latest audition. Instead, Eui Jun surprises him with something quieter and more intimate. He's tired of their nocturnal lifestyle. Eui Jun just wants to go on a proper daytime date and have a picnic by the river. Young Taek hesitates. The idea of stepping into sunlight makes his skin crawl, literally. After Eui Jun insists they'll be careful, Young Taek makes his boyfriend happy by agreeing to the date.

Before the date, Young Taek applies proper sun protection. He's wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved sweater. He also carries an umbrella to shield himself from the sun. Initially, Young Taek seems uncomfortable as he steps into the sunlight. However, he relaxes over time and enjoys a peaceful afternoon by the river. But then, Young Taek's boss happens to be nearby and disrupts their date. Suddenly, Young Taek feels self-conscious about being seen outside with his boyfriend.

Night and Day intrigued me from the start. I like its interesting premise, which adds an unusual twist to a love story. In this short movie, the main character is allergic to sunlight. And no, before you ask, he's not secretly a vampire. He's an ordinary guy whose condition stops him from going outside during the day. Initially, I didn't overthink the plot and assumed the illness was just a health issue. To my surprise, the story reveals there's a deeper symbolic meaning.

As the plot unfolds, I realize that Young Taek's discomfort with sunlight is related to his anxiety about being openly gay. The movie doesn't spell out everything, but the audience can pick up on various clues. For example, Young Taek wears protective clothing, almost like he's hiding his identity in public. His skin rash appears whenever he feels self-conscious around strangers who see him with his boyfriend. Night and Day uses his medical condition as a way to explore a gay man's internalized stigma. When you're insecure about your sexuality, you may feel stressed, exposed, and terrified of being judged by others.

Night and Day is such a clever movie. It contains elegant metaphors that allude to feeling self-conscious about your identity. The symbolism is subtle without being heavy-handed. At the same time, it isn't too abstract. The story seems simple enough for most viewers to connect the dots and understand the LGBTQ+ themes. Also, it conveys a powerful message about self-acceptance. The protagonist goes on a journey to confront his insecurities and change the way he thinks about himself. I love how much substance the film packs into its 25-minute narrative.

Young Taek and Eui Jun make a sweet couple. From birthday celebrations to holding hands, their relationship is full of little loving gestures. We see them support each other through highs and lows. Young Taek finds the courage to go out of his comfort zone to make his boyfriend happy. Eui Jun also shows a protective instinct when his partner feels vulnerable. Although this romance is very wholesome, their scenes lack passion. They don't kiss, flirt, or share much physical intimacy. These are just two devoted boyfriends who take care of each other emotionally.

Like many short films, Night and Day doesn't have enough time to explore its ideas with depth. We get a brief version of Young Taek's story arc, but I want to learn more about his life beyond his sexuality or health condition. Similarly, his love interest feels underdeveloped. We know very little about Eui Jun besides his role as a supportive partner. With a longer movie, Night and Day could have fleshed out both characters better. Their romance would also benefit from additional scenes. If we can see the couple spend more time together, we'll feel invested in their relationship.

Night and Day's final scene is a well-written exchange that reflects the story's themes powerfully. It uses a casual moment with a neighbour to highlight Young Taek's character growth. Our protagonist doesn't suddenly transform or make a grand gesture, but he displays more courage than before. I'm proud of him! The last image shows his shadow with the smoke gently fading away, an elegant way to emphasize his inner peace. I finish Night and Day with a positive impression. I recommend this short film to anyone seeking a thoughtful, optimistic, and empowering story.