The film’s title is intentionally ambiguous, questioning which family is the true "parasite."
The film follows the destitute Kim family, who live in a cramped semi-basement and survive on "street smarts". Through a series of elaborate lies, they infiltrate the lives of the wealthy Park family, posing as unrelated service professionals—tutors, an art therapist, a chauffeur, and a housekeeper. What starts as a "symbiotic" arrangement quickly unravels as a hidden secret in the Parks' basement emerges, triggering a violent battle for dominance. Key Themes & Symbolism
The film's awards season was nothing short of phenomenal. "Parasite" became the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, a milestone that marked a significant shift in the film industry's recognition of global cinema. The film also won several other prestigious awards, including four Oscars, the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and the BAFTA Award for Best Film.