The Tenderness of Loss: Lee Chang-dong’s Possible Love in Anxious Times

Lee Chang-dong’s latest film, Possible Love, premiered at the Venice Film Festival and will soon be available on Netflix. This drama is a nuanced exploration of how we navigate loss, anxiety, and the human need for connection.

The story revolves around four characters: Ho-seok, who struggles to cope with the loss of his job; his wife Mi-ok, who tries to hold things together despite her own financial worries; Sang-woo, a charismatic but clueless businessman; and Ye-ji, a documentary filmmaker trying to capture the personal lives of laborers. As these characters interact, they reveal the ways in which we all grapple with insecurity, longing, and the search for meaning.

One striking aspect of Possible Love is its gentle spirit. Unlike many modern dramas that focus on spectacle and shock value, Lee’s film takes a more subtle approach, trusting his actors to convey complex human emotions through understated performances. This subtlety reflects the way we often experience life: in quiet moments rather than grand gestures.

The character of Ho-seok, played by Sul Kyung-gu, is particularly noteworthy. His anguished presence anchors the film, and his eventual breakdown – caught on camera by Ye-ji – raises questions about the ethics of documentary filmmaking. Can we capture genuine human emotion without exploiting those involved?

Possible Love also explores the tension between our desires and needs. We see Mi-ok coveting an expensive backpack left behind by Ye-ji, but we also understand her desperation to provide for her family. This contrast highlights how our wants can often be at odds with our survival.

The film’s themes are timely and universal, resonating with audiences struggling to cope with modern anxiety. In an era marked by economic uncertainty, climate change, and social inequality, Possible Love offers a rare perspective: one that acknowledges shared vulnerabilities and the need for human connection.

Lee notes that “Thou shalt not covet” is a commandment that feels more relevant now than ever, referencing Krzysztof Kieślowski’s Dekalog 10. It’s hard to predict whether this film will find a similar audience to Lee Chang-dong’s 2018 noir mystery Burning, but its impact may be greater given the current climate.

As we watch Ho-seok, Mi-ok, Sang-woo, and Ye-ji navigate their complex relationships, we’re reminded of how love, loss, and longing are intertwined. Possible Love is not just a movie about love; it’s a cinematic exploration of what it means to be human.

With its gentle spirit, nuanced performances, and thought-provoking themes, the film will linger long after the credits roll – a testament to Lee Chang-dong’s skill as a storyteller and our collective need for connection in anxious times. As we watch the characters struggle to find meaning and purpose, we’re reminded of our own struggles. We may not be able to predict the future or control our circumstances, but we can choose how we respond to them – with tenderness, generosity, and a willingness to connect with others.