For many, Steven Yeun will always be remembered as Glenn Rhee, the brave, loyal, and endlessly likable character on The Walking Dead. He was the kind of hero audiences rooted for instinctively. Yet in 2018, Yeun took a bold step away from the familiar and demonstrated a side of his talent that few had seen. He surprised audiences worldwide by taking on a role that completely upended that heroic image.
Maybe you've heard of the South Korean psychological thriller film, Burning. What makes this movie remarkable is not just its slow-burning tension, but the way Yeun transforms into a character so different from anyone audiences had seen him play before.
Burning's story lures you in slowly
Directed by Lee Chang-dong, Burning is based on Haruki Murakami’s short story Barn Burning. The film begins with Jong‑su (Yoo Ah‑in), a young man living in a quiet, provincial town. He struggles to find direction, taking on odd jobs while trying to pursue his dream of writing. His mundane, somewhat aimless life is interrupted when he reconnects with Hae‑mi (Jeon Jong‑seo), a free-spirited girl from his past.
Hae‑mi is whimsical and unpredictable, and she draws Jong‑su out of his shell almost immediately. Before departing on a trip to Africa, she asks Jong‑su to watch her cat. It's an assignment that seems insignificant at first, but becomes symbolically important as the story unfolds.
When Hae‑mi returns, she introduces Ben (Steven Yeun) into Jong‑su’s life. Ben is the epitome of composure. He's wealthy, self-assured, and exudes effortless charm. At first, Jong‑su is both impressed and unsettled by Ben’s demeanor, which sharply contrasts with his own insecurities and modest means.
Ben drives a sleek luxury car, dresses impeccably, and seems to navigate the world with a smooth-sailing ease. Yet beneath this polished exterior, there is something quietly disconcerting about him. As the trio grows closer, Ben casually shares his unusual hobby of burning abandoned greenhouses. He speaks about it with an almost casual indifference, and it’s here that the first hints of real psychological tension emerge.
The act itself is shocking in its casualness, but Yeun’s understated delivery makes it all the more disturbing. Jong‑su’s fascination and discomfort grow simultaneously, creating a tense dynamic between him and Ben that underpins much of the film’s suspense. The story then takes a darker turn when Hae‑mi mysteriously disappears. Jong‑su becomes obsessed with uncovering what happened, and Ben naturally becomes the center of his suspicion.
Obviously, I don’t want to spoil the ending, but it’s important to understand what makes Burning such a compelling psychological thriller. Unlike conventional thrillers that rely on action or jump scares, this film builds tension through subtlety, atmosphere, and the complex dynamics between its three central characters. Jong‑su’s growing obsession with Hae‑mi’s disappearance and his fixation on Ben’s enigmatic behavior drives the story, but the film never hands the audience a straightforward explanation.
Yeun’s portrayal of Ben is the linchpin of this tension. Unlike his heroic role as Glenn, Ben is quietly menacing, magnetic, and morally ambiguous. Yeun brings a calm, controlled intensity to the character, making every gesture, smile, and pause feel loaded with potential threat.
The power in his performance really lies in what is unsaid. Ben rarely raises his voice, never overacts, and yet dominates every scene he inhabits. This quiet menace keeps both Jong‑su and the audience on edge, unsure of his intentions and constantly questioning what he might do next.
Ultimately, Burning is as much about character and mood as it is about plot. It’s a story of obsession, jealousy, and the dark complexities of human behavior. By stepping into such a morally opaque role, Yeun proved that he was more than the heroic figure audiences remember. With Burning, he delivered a chilling, memorable performance that revealed the full depth and range of his talent.
If you haven't already watched this critically acclaimed thriller flick, I highly recommend that you check it out. It's currently streaming for free on Tubi. However, keep in mind that ads will be shown throughout the film if you watch it on this streaming platform.