Parasite is a pounding film that only gets better and better the longer it goes on, in a similar manner to Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, only more screwed up. The genius of this film lies not only in it's incredible usage of reincorporation and subtle bits of foreshadowing, but also in its grounding the film in such a manner that what unfolds feels realistic, in spite of the film's plot going completely off the rails in the third act (and I mean that in the best possible manner).

The film also wisely lets the film's plot play out without letting the audience know what they should be thinking; it's a film that respects its audience intelligence enough to not spoonfeed everything to them. The characters aren’t put on a moral pedestal, nor are they looked down upon. It would’ve been so easy for the film to moralize and preach, especially when you consider it tackles themes of social class. But the film goes to great pains to get you to understand these characters and their motivations, even in the midst of their worst moments, so much so that, even when you condemn their actions, you understand and sympathize with them.

This truly is a film that doesn't feel like it can be categorized in any particular way; there truly is no other film like it. The film definitely has funny moments, a lot of them bitterly cruel and dark; the film is also absolutely terrifying, with very creepy and Lanthimos-esque imagery and atmosphere; it's also a compelling family drama with dynamic well written characters.

A lot of this film's praise is absolutely warranted, and I would call it a masterpiece, although I think it's a hair shy of perfection. In my personal opinion, some of the imagery used to act as a juxtaposition between the elite and the destitute is a little too on-the-nose and lacking in subtlety, especially when you consider how subtle this film is in so many other areas. And on a first watch, it can take a little bit for the plot to get moving (although this is a problem that I am certain will be lessened severely upon rewatch).

But those are all incredible minor problems, and they in no way dampens this incredible film. It's smart, it's haunting, it's hypnotizing. It's both really funny and genuinely terrifying, not unlike a certain other masterpiece that was released this year. It's a film that's brimming with personality, and made by someone who clearly cares about the art of filmmaking. It's fantastic, and easily one of the years very best films.