Release Date: May 30, 2024 | Director: Han Ji-won (The Summer) | Starring: Kim Tae-ri, Hong Kyung
Netflix's first Korean original animated film, Lost in Starlight, promises a bittersweet blend of sci-fi grandeur and intimate emotion, helmed by director Han Ji-won—a rising voice in poignant, character-driven storytelling. Here's why this interstellar love story could be 2024's most achingly beautiful tearjerker:
- Star-Crossed, Literally: Astronaut Nan-young (Kim Tae-ri) and earthbound artist Jay (Hong Kyung) forge a tender romance, only to face separation when Nan-young departs for a high-stakes Mars mission.
- Trailer Highlights: Glistening near-future Seoulscapes juxtaposed with the haunting silence of space, all rendered in lush, painterly animation. The couple's fleeting moments—a shared umbrella in rain-soaked streets, a holographic goodbye—hint at a narrative steeped in longing and sacrifice.
Director's Vision: Han Ji-Won's Touch
- Pedigree: Han's 2023 film The Summer, a queer coming-of-age tale, earned acclaim for its delicate handling of young love and identity. Lost in Starlight seems poised to expand her repertoire into sci-fi while retaining her signature emotional precision.
- Themes: Expect existential questions about connection in isolation—what does love mean when separated by millions of miles?
Voice Cast Firepower
- Kim Tae-ri (The Handmaiden, Alienoid): Brings gravitas and vulnerability as Nan-young, a role demanding both scientific resolve and romantic desperation.
- Hong Kyung (Weak Hero Class 1): Known for intense performances, his Jay balances artistic sensitivity with the anguish of waiting.
Why It'll Hurt (In the Best Way)
- Visual Poetry: The trailer's animation style merges hyper-detailed cityscapes with dreamy cosmic vistas, evoking Makoto Shinkai (Your Name) meets Interstellar.
- Emotional Stakes: The central conflict—choosing duty over love—echoes classics like Eternal Sunshine and Her, but with a uniquely Korean cultural lens.
- Soundtrack Tease: While unmentioned in the trailer, Han's past collaborations suggest a score blending ambient electronics and melancholic strings to amplify the ache.
Final Forecast
Lost in Starlight isn't just a romance—it's a meditation on time, distance, and the human need to cling to hope against cosmic indifference. With Han Ji-won's track record and Netflix's global platform, this film could become a landmark in adult-oriented animation, proving that the most universal stories are often the ones that leave us breathless… and maybe a little heartbroken.
Mark Your Calendar: May 30 on Netflix. Keep tissues handy.