Na Hong-jin’s sci-fi thriller *Hope* earns a 7-minute standing ovation at Cannes, but the director hints its length may have capped the applause.
- May 18, 2026
AceShowbiz - Hope by filmmaker Na Hong-jin received a remarkable seven-minute standing ovation during its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, a two hour and forty minute sci-fi thriller, captivated the audience with its intense storytelling and thrilling action sequences.
Na Hong-jin expressed his gratitude towards the audience for their endurance throughout the lengthy epic, highlighting the engagement they maintained during the film’s runtime. The premiere featured at least three major action set-pieces, each of which was met with enthusiastic applause, demonstrating strong appreciation for the film’s dynamic sequences.
Despite the prolonged duration, the reception was notably positive, although the applause was somewhat tempered by the film’s length. Na Hong-jin mentioned that had the film ended twenty minutes earlier, the audience’s applause might have been even more intense, indicating that pacing played a role in the overall response.
The screening of Hope at Cannes generated significant buzz, reflecting the director’s ability to hold the attention of an audience through a complex and ambitious alien thriller. The film’s combination of suspense and action was a standout element that resonated with viewers, contributing to the sustained ovation at the festival.
Among the attendees was actress Taylor Russell, who was present at the Cannes screening, adding to the event’s high-profile atmosphere. As Hope continues to attract attention on the festival circuit, its reception in Cannes sets a promising tone for its future prospects.