In the latest from master Lee Chang-dong, Possible Love takes a look at the social and class gap between two couples who come together when the wealthier woman wants to make a documentary about the struggles of laid-off workers who strike against a corrupt company.
The less you know, the better. So, I’ll just say the film has incisive dialogue that really locks in the conflict, even as these two couples keep getting drawn toward each other. There is a constant tension that comes both from the differences between these couples and from the presence of the camera that the wealthier woman, Mi-ok, holds as she tries to capture dramatic or interesting moments while interviewing them.
There is sparse but effective use of music. It’s a smart choice that allows scenes to really sink in and the feelings they evoke to more naturally cascade over you. It really lets us sit with many shots that carry greater meaning through both the editing and framing. The ramifications of their actions matter and are always present with us in the next scene.
The film has rich characters with many complexities, some of which are only hinted at, but this allows us to make assumptions about what they might do next based on what we do know about them. It has us leaning in to learn more. This is partly due to the performances, which are full of life and detail. You believe this awkward dynamic being slowly broken down by Mi-ok’s actions and her invitations to become friends and more intimate with Ye-ji and Ho-seok.
The film also has a lot to say about the struggle of unions, but also, perhaps, about how unions in Korea can end up allowing good people to slip through the cracks. It also explores how the violence that results from the Korean government’s determination to keep the economy and society running smoothly can lead to devastation.
A powerful film and one worth looking out for.
Possible Love is playing at TIFF ’26. For more information, click here.
