Lee Chang-dong’s Possible Love centers on two couples whose encounter exposes differences in wealth, power and social experience. The film is set to arrive on Netflix on November 6, following a brief theatrical run, and has won the Jury Prize at Venice, according to the original review.
The story begins at a funeral for a factory worker who died by suicide after losing his job. Ye-ji, an aspiring documentarian played by Cho Yeo-jeong, is filming at the event when Ho-seok, portrayed by Sul Kyung-gu, objects to her camera. Ho-seok was also laid off after a labor dispute that turned violent. His wife, Mi-ok, played by Jeon Do-yeon, tries to defuse the confrontation.
Ye-ji later sees Ho-seok as a potential subject for a documentary about modern labor. She befriends Mi-ok in the hope of persuading him to take part, while her own marriage to wealthy Sang-woo, played by Zo In-sung, places her on the other side of the class divide. As the couples grow closer, the film examines the documentarian’s motives and the ethics of filming people whose circumstances she hopes to portray.
The review describes the drama as a study of envy and social inequality, built around quiet exchanges and small details rather than overt explanations. It highlights Jeon’s performance as Mi-ok, whose growing attachment to Ye-ji’s attention brings both hope and vulnerability to the story. Sul and Zo play, respectively, a worker left adrift after the labor dispute and a rich man largely unaware of his privilege.
Tensions come to a head when the four adults and a boy spend a weekend at Sang-woo’s summer house. The film combines social drama, satire and character study, while also turning its attention to the filmmaker’s own role in shaping the story she wants to tell.
Sources: Rolling Stone.