Film Review: Spa Night

By Maria Esteves – August 18, 2016

SPA NIGHT is a compelling film about the life of David (Joe Seo), a devoted young spiritual man of Asian American descent who struggles with his identity. Set in present day Los Angeles urban community, David who lives with his parents and works at the family's restaurant, discover the painful parts of humanity. The dramatic turning point are when he is faced with socio-economic challenges from a failing family business. Out of desperation, he journeys into a family recreation he culturally enjoyed as a child, to work at a spa. As a spa custodian his sexual identity emerges.

Seo's acting is truthful and believable. Director Ahn cleverly intertwined a universal story. It delivers an Oscar-nominee caliber! 

SPA NIGHT, directed by Andrew Ahn | Strand Releasing | U.S.A. | 2016 | 97 min | Reviewed at 2016 Asian American International Film Festival, opens exclusively at Metrograph theater, New York, Friday, August 19, 2016.