The Shocking Film That Claimed the No. 1 Spot on Netflix, Surpassing Blockbusters Like '12.12 The Day' and 'Pilot'

A Korean independent film that attracted only about 7,800 viewers during its theatrical release has outperformed blockbuster hits like the 10-million-viewer 12.12 The Day and Pilot to claim the No. 1 spot in Netflix's movie rankings.

The film in question is the Korean independent black comedy "Anemone" (directed by Jeong Ha-yong), starring comedian Jung Yi-rang. "Anemone" follows the desperate chase of Yong-ja (played by Jung Yi-rang), the owner of a missing lottery ticket that won the jackpot.

As of 7 AM on December 11, "Anemone" topped the "Today’s Top 10 Movies in South Korea" list. It was followed by "Seoul Spring" in second place, "Pilot" in third, "Maria" in fourth, and "That Christmas" in fifth. The rest of the rankings included "Escape" in sixth, "I Hate Korea" in seventh, "Children’s Train" in eighth, "Cross" in ninth, and "The Dig" in tenth.

Released in February this year, "Anemone" gained attention for featuring Jung Yi-rang, known for her work on Coupang Play’s SNL Korea, in the lead role. The story revolves around Yong-ja, whose husband purchases a winning lottery ticket but hides its whereabouts. Suspicious of her husband, Yong-ja begins tracking down people close to him, believing they might have taken the ticket.

This domestic production combines comedy, drama, and action under the direction of Jeong Ha-yong. Rated for viewers aged 15 and above, the film runs for 75 minutes. Alongside Jung Yi-rang, the cast includes Park Sung-jin, Yuk Mi-ra, Park Hye-jin, Lee Sang-hoon, Kim Geon-ha, Terris Brown, Lee Yoo-joon, and Kim Young-bin.

Jung Yi-rang captivates audiences in Anemone with a near one-woman show, delivering a powerful performance that drives the film. Her portrayal of Yong-ja, a resilient woman whose hopes tied to a lottery ticket are shattered, includes scenes where her character unravels in a monstrous frenzy, eliciting both laughter and empathy.

The film is directed by Jeong Ha-yong, known for his previous work Ghost. Following the success of Ghost, Jeong achieved another milestone with Anemone, earning accolades at the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival.

Upon its release, the film drew significant attention online. Viewers shared enthusiastic reactions, commenting, "Jung Yi-rang never disappoints," "Her crying scenes are phenomenal—must watch," "This looks hilarious, I can’t wait to see it," "Jung Yi-rang is amazing, even her SNL skits were incredible—hope this film does even better," "Way funnier than expected," "Her acting is top-notch," and "The trailer is hilarious, and the direction seems promising."

Meanwhile, as of 7 AM on the same day, the "Today’s Top 10 Series in South Korea" rankings are as follows: "The Tale of Mrs. Ok" in first place, followed by "Trunk" in second, "Paik Jong-won’s Les Misérables" in third, "Parole Officer Lee Han-shin" in fourth, "When the Phone Rings" in fifth, "Sorry Again Today" in sixth, "Black Dove" in seventh, "MarryYOU" in eighth, "Mr. Plankton" in ninth, and "Assembly Family" in tenth.