Possible Love Acclaimed at Venice Film Festival

The critically acclaimed film "Possible Love," directed by Korean auteur Lee Chang-dong, made its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on Sunday, September 6, 2026, to a rapturous reception. Following the screening, the film received a lengthy standing ovation, and subsequent reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, positioning it as a strong contender in the festival's main competition. This marks Lee's first feature film in eight years, since his 2018 success "Burning." "Possible Love," a nearly three-hour drama, explores the intersecting lives of two married couples from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The film was bankrolled by Netflix, a rare art-house investment for the streaming giant, and is the director's first project for the platform after struggling to secure theatrical funding. The story centers on Miok, played by Jeon Doyeon, and her unemployed welder husband Hoseok, portrayed by Sul Kyunggu. Hoseok's layoff from his factory job has left him struggling with trauma, alcohol, and a fractured marriage. Their lives become intertwined with Yeji, a documentary filmmaker played by Cho Yeojeong, and her wealthy businessman husband Sangwoo, played by Zo Insung.