[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] Zendaya is set to marry Robert Pattinson, not Tom Holland. Director Lee Jun-ik presented “Home-Cooked Meals” in a vertical format, and author Koo Byung-mo’s novel “Agami” has been reborn as an animated film. A hardcore action film set in a lawless territory ruled by serial killers has also joined the lineup. On the 9th, new films of various genres and styles hit theaters side by side.

◇Zendaya & Pattinson: Will They Get Married?
“The Drama” draws attention simply through the pairing of Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. The two play Emma and Charlie, a couple just one week away from their wedding. The seemingly perfect couple faces an unexpected rift as they reveal the pasts they’ve been hiding from each other.
Rather than a simple romance, it’s closer to a “romantic thriller” that explores the boundaries of love, trust, and forgiveness. It also features the signature offbeat humor of director Christopher Bogli, known for *Dream Scenario*. Above all, the emotional performances of Zendaya and Pattinson—as their relationship shifts from that of a loving couple to one of mutual suspicion—are the key highlights of the film. On its opening day, the film debuted at No. 1 at the box office among concurrently released films.

◇ Lee Jun-ik’s First “Vertical Film”… *Father’s Home-Cooked Meals*
“Father’s Home-Cooked Meals” is director Lee Jun-ik’s first vertical-format film. It tells the story of Ha-eung, who has spent his entire life keeping his distance from the kitchen, but begins cooking for the first time when his wife, Soon-ae, suddenly becomes unable to cook. The film stars Jung Jin-young, Lee Jung-eun, and Byun Yo-han.
While family dramas are familiar in themselves, the film stands out for its formal challenge of translating a 9:16 vertical aspect ratio to the big screen. Instead of relying on sensational short-form storytelling techniques, it captures the familiar emotions between parents and children, as well as between spouses, within the vertical frame, aiming to resonate with audiences of all generations.

◇Koo Byung-mo’s “Agami,” a hand-drawn animation
“Agami,” based on the novel of the same name by author Koo Byung-mo, has also hit the big screen. Centered on Gon, a boy who grows gills after drowning with his father, the film explores the relationships and survival of wounded individuals. Directed by Ahn Jae-hoon, known for “Sonagi” and “Muneodo,” the film features voice acting by Jung Hae-in, Kang Ha-neul, Lee Chung-ah, Yoo Jae-myung, and Kim Sun-young.
A key highlight is how the setting was moved from Korea in the original novel to France, bringing out the unique colors and aesthetics of animation. The film’s artistic merit was also put to the test after it was invited to international film festivals, including the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

◇Action Over Explanation… “Purgatory”’s Raw, Unfiltered Thrill
If you’re looking for intense action, look no further than “Purgatory: Autonomous Zone of Murderers.” This prison action film follows Yoo-sung, who fights for his survival after receiving a proposal to eliminate Yeom-wang, the absolute ruler of “Purgatory”—a lawless detention center housing Class 1 violent criminals.
Action star Bruce Kan co-directed and stars in the film, alongside Lee Chae-young, Kim Jae-hyun, Jo Seong-ha, Park Cheol-min, Jo Jae-yoon, and Yeo Su-jeong. Rather than focusing on intricate world-building, the film prioritizes raw, visceral action and intense physicality, delivering high-octane action befitting its “No Minors Allowed” rating.
From romance thrillers to family dramas, animation, and hardcore action—though they all opened on the same day, the target audiences for these four films are distinctly different. The fun of choosing a movie based on your personal taste is the biggest highlight of this week’s cinema scene.