Netflix has unveiled the official trailer for Possible Love, the South Korean film chosen to represent the country in the Best International Feature Film race at the upcoming 99th Academy Awards. The preview, released on Netflix’s Instagram account on Thursday, offers a first glimpse into a story that intertwines marriage, ambition, and hidden yearnings.
Plot Overview
Possible Love follows two married couples whose lives intersect during the making of a documentary. Jeon Do‑yeon portrays Mi‑ok, a woman worn down by years of financial strain, alongside Sul Kyung‑gu as her husband Ho‑sek, a laid‑off worker grappling with uncertainty. Cho Yeo‑jeong plays Ye‑ji, a documentary filmmaker, while Zo In‑sung embodies her supportive spouse Sang‑woo.
When Ye‑ji decides to chronicling Mi‑ok and Ho‑sek’s struggles, a shared summer retreat becomes the catalyst for uncovering long‑buried tensions. The getaway strips away polite façades, surfacing old wounds, unspoken frustrations, and the quiet desires each character harbors beneath the surface.
Trailer Highlights
The newly released trailer opens with subdued, almost mundane scenes of daily life—early morning commutes, quiet kitchen conversations, and the soft hum of a camera rolling. As the narrative progresses, the visual tone shifts: warm summer light floods the screen, juxtaposed with intimate close‑ups that capture flickering emotions.
Key moments include:
- Mi‑ok’s weary stare as she watches Ho‑sek struggle with unemployment.
- Ye‑ji’s determined expression while framing a shot, hinting at her artistic drive.
- A fleeting, charged glance between Sang‑woo and Mi‑ok that suggests an undercurrent of attraction.
- The climactic scene where the four characters confront their vulnerabilities during a fireside conversation.
The trailer’s editing, underscored by a minimalist score, builds tension without revealing too much, leaving viewers eager to see how the documentary project will reshape each relationship.
Festival Circuit Acclaim
Before its wide release, Possible Love has already garnered attention on the international festival circuit. The film premiered in Competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, a prestigious slot that often signals award‑season potential.
Additional selections include:
- Special Presentations at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival
- Main Slate of the 64th New York Film Festival
- Zabaltegi‑Tabakalera section of the 74th San Sebastian International Film Festival
- Gala Screening at the 22nd Zurich Film Festival
- Special Presentations of the 45th Vancouver International Film Festival
These placements underscore the film’s broad appeal and the confidence programmers have in its storytelling and performances.
Release Details
South Korean audiences can catch Possible Love in theaters beginning September 23. Following its theatrical run, Netflix will make the film available to global subscribers on November 6, allowing viewers worldwide to experience the drama from the comfort of their homes.
Key Takeaways
Possible Love stands out as a poignant exploration of marital dynamics, artistic ambition, and the secret longings that surface when ordinary lives are placed under a lens. With Lee Chang‑dong at the helm—co‑written with Oh Jung‑mi—and a powerhouse cast led by Jeon Do‑yeon, Sul Kyung‑gu, Zo In‑sung, and Cho Yeo‑jeong, the film promises both critical acclaim and audience resonance.
As the trailer continues to circulate online, anticipation builds for what could be South Korea’s strongest Oscar contender in recent memory. Keep an eye on Netflix’s channels for further updates, and mark your calendars for the September theatrical debut and the November streaming launch.
