“Do you want to play a game?”

Quite possibly one of the most dangerous and terrifying games to be played by anyone, “Intimate Strangers” (a remake of the Italian film “Perfect Strangers” which has broken the Guinness World Records as the most remade film in cinema history, with 18 remakes, and counting) asks the question of just how well you know the people around you, with the help our mobile phones.

Four male childhood friends gather for a dinner, three of them with their wives. It is supposed to be a joyous, celebratory housewarming party that however steadily descends into chaos, thanks to a game pitched by the hostess Ye Jin (Kim Ji Soo). For one night, everything on all the guests’ phones are for sharing; including telephone calls, texts, emails and WhatsApp messages. It is only natural for this to be met with some scepticism, but with some reluctance the game gets underway. As anyone who protests too much is automatically seen as someone who has secrets to hide, the characters try to cover their insecurities with uncomfortable smiles.

The fact that there have been so many remakes goes to show what a solid premise the film presents. Every notification opens up a can of worms, as the seven friends learn something new about themselves, one secret at a time. There are problems with in-laws, disagreements over parenting styles, jealousy between friends over wealth gaps, and the juiciest of all, questions over fidelity and sexuality, among other reveals.

The snappy dialogue and minimalist setting, with almost everything taking place in the dining area of the house, make it seem like a stage play. We as the audience are intruding at an intimate social gathering, sitting back and relaxing as friendships and marriages are put to the test. The clever, tight cinematography hardly ever lets the individuals out of its sight, and the script has a knack for keeping all the characters in the loop, not favouring one couple over another when it comes to screen time.

All seven actors in the cast are perfectly suited for their roles, in an extraordinarily masterful stroke from the casting director. The host Seok Ho (Cho Jin Woong) is a plastic surgeon married to Ye Jin, a psychiatrist, with a teenage daughter. Soo Hyun (Yum Jung Ah) is married to the distant and grumpy Tae Soo (Yoo Hae Jin), and issues surrounding in-laws put a strain on their relationship. Restaurant owner Joon Mo (Lee Seo Jin) is married to a younger veterinarian Se Kyung (Song Ha Yoon), a couple with trust issues, and unexpectedly, Young Bae (Yoon Kyung Ho) shows up on his own. It is difficult to point out a particular standout performer here – this is an ensemble effort through and through, and the stars all shine equally. There is also a string of recognisable cameo voices who phone in to stir up more drama.

To give away more plot points would be a disservice to this impeccably crafted picture, with the perfect mix of dramatic tension and humour that keeps the momentum going until the very end. At times shocking with completely unexpected surprises, and at other times downright hilarious, it also ends on a thought-provoking, ambiguous note.

More than anything, the original film should be thanked for thinking of such a game – there will never be a dull moment for any groups of friends/family that bravely choose to take part. The Korean adaptation takes the fascinating concept and turns it into a star-studded, endlessly watchable piece of entertainment. Either the film will encourage or put you off playing such a game, it just depends on how much you value knowing the absolute truth about everyone.