CANNES, France (AP) — Sprawling action movies featuring aliens typically do not vie for the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. However, Na Hong-jin's film "Hope" has broken the mold, bringing a unique science fiction narrative to the iconic festival.

Highly anticipated by the Cannes audience, "Hope" marks Na's return to filmmaking after a decade-long hiatus since his acclaimed 2016 thriller "The Wailing." While fellow South Korean directors like Bong Joon Ho have reached global recognition, many cinephiles believe that Na's latest offering is overdue for a larger audience that a Cannes premiere can provide.

Despite the excitement surrounding "Hope," Na expressed nervousness just hours before its debut, admitting, "I didn’t imagine it would be so nerve-wracking, to the point of not sleeping." The film itself, which stands as one of the most expensive Korean productions to date, spans an impressive two hours and 40 minutes. It begins with the alarming sight of a mysteriously scarred carcass of a dead bull and escalates into a grandiose, audaciously chaotic sci-fi tale.

The rapid pace and wild narrative of "Hope" left Cannes audiences in a state of awe, confusion, and exhilaration. Variety’s Jessica Kiang described it as "hilarious, unwieldy, overlong, and featuring some of the most breathtakingly elegant action moviemaking of this or any year." The plot follows Hwang Jung-min as the local police chief investigating a shocking bull attack, leading him into a frenzied chase across the Korean Demilitarized Zone. He teams up with another officer, played by Jung Ho-yeon, while his cousin, portrayed by Zo In-sung, pursues a different lead in the forest.

An intriguing twist reveals that Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander portray extraterrestrial beings within the film. Na stated, "I wanted to talk about a story that starts off with something very trivial, and that can build to something that can impact the entire universe," indicating the thematic depth intertwining with his narrative.

Na took time to carefully navigate the grand scope of "Hope," deciding to limit the film's content despite already penning a sequel that centers on Fassbender and Vikander's characters in a space setting. Na shared that he had a particular vision regarding the story's ultimate direction but was interrupted by publicists before he could elaborate further.

The editing process was lengthy and complex, with Na admitting that the CGI took an extensive amount of time. Reflecting on his decade-long journey to complete "Hope," he said, "I only realize now that it’s been quite a journey. The editing took a long time. The CGI took forever." The anticipation from the Korean cast is palpable, with Zo expressing straightforwardness as to why he wanted to participate in the film: "Because it’s Na Hong-jin. Nothing else." Jung added her hopes that "Hope" will introduce new audiences to the director, applauding his impressive filmography.

Hwang Jung-min, who has collaborated with Na previously on "The Wailing," was the first actor to join the project. He expressed a collective faith in Na's ability to create compelling films, jokingly stating, “But I don’t think he knows that many good actors.” The film embraces various spectacular action sequences, yet it also delves into significant themes that have characterized Na’s previous works, particularly examining xenophobia and immigrant issues.

As Na explained, "In any big tragedy, they don’t necessarily arise from malicious intention. It all starts with a difference in perspective," emphasizing the idea that misunderstanding and conflict can lead to dire consequences. "Hope" serves as a reflection of these ideals, combining action with profound narrative explorations.