Watch at Home 06.09.2023

Aloners

Directed by Hong Sung-eun
Film Movement
2021
91 Minutes
South Korea
Korean
Drama, Asian
Not Rated

Jina (Gong Seung-yeon) is the top employee at a call center, but despite talking to customers all day, she has shut out the world beyond her headset; she lives alone, eats alone, sleeps alone, and her cell phone is her constant companion. When one day she's tasked with training a friendly and naive new hire (Jung Da-eun), her icy armor is threatened. At the same time, she must navigate an incessantly ingratiating new neighbor, and increasingly urgent phone calls from her father, leaving Jina teetering on the edge of an existential crisis, forcing her to confront why she has isolated herself all these years. Riffing on the Korean ‘honjok’ – a phenomenon of young people who live alone and skirt social interaction – to examine the personal traumas of loss and alienation, this subtly poetic directorial debut is a "stirring portrait of the cages we build for ourselves and questions how and when we may want to be free of them," (Ms. Magazine).

Director & Cast

  • Director: Hong Sung-eun
  • Starring: Gong Seung-yeon
  • Starring: Jung Da-eun
  • Starring: Seo Hyun-woo
  • Starring: Park Jeong-hak
  • Starring: Kim Hannah

Where to Watch

Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "An introspective film, simultaneously gripping and melancholy but punctuated by moments of humor, Aloners is a stirring portrait of the cages we build for ourselves—and questions how and when we may want to be free of them."
    Aviva Dove-Viebahn, Ms. Magazine
  • "Bolstered by a layered and subtle performance of Gong, Aloners is a compelling snapshot of modern daily life for many in Korea and around the world."
    Rachel Ho, That Shelf
  • "[A]cute character observation, impressive directorial control and a strong performance from lead actress Gong Seung-yeon. "
    Jonathan Romney, Screen Daily
  • "In one of the most complex and intriguing performances of 2021, Gong keeps us guessing about what Jin-na is really thinking and feeling."
    Jennie Kermode, Eye For Film
  • "This subtle, but effective vision of loneliness is wholly emotional and relatable, especially now. Featuring a powerful central performance, it marks a stellar directorial debut from Hong Seong-eun."
    Kristy Strouse, Film Inquiry
  • "“Aloners” is a great drama about modern loneliness and isolation as aspects of modern life. Apart from its magnificent central performance, Hong Seong-eun’s feature debut is a promising calling card, and we can only hope to hear more from her in the future."
    Rouven Linnarz, Asian Movie Pulse
  • "[T]here’s both an emotional intelligence and wry sense of humour throughout Hong Sung-eun’s script. Hong’s calm, methodical directorial style and measured tone run in perfect sync with the subtle affect of Gong’s turn, while a soothing score from Lim Min-ju amplifies the tender anguish without ever overpowering."
    Shaun Munro, Flickering Myth

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Gateway Film Center 8 Columbus OH April 7, 2023