TIFF 2025 Review: Project Y

Project Y – Han So-Hee & Jeon Jong-Seo Shine in Korean Heist Thriller

Korean films are taking over the U.S. market, and what better way to prove it than seeing two of Korea’s biggest stars, Han So-Hee (The World of the Married) and Jeon Jong-Seo (Money Heist: Korea), join forces for Project Y? I mean, who doesn’t want to see two badass women steal a pile of gold? It’s hot, fierce, and exactly what North American audiences need more of.

From the trailer alone, Project Y promised sleek cinematography, killer music, and undeniable charisma between its leads and it absolutely delivered on that visual energy. The story follows Mi-Sun (Han So-Hee) and Do-Kyun (Jeon Jong-Seo), lifelong friends whose lives couldn’t seem more different. But when they’re tasked with stealing cash for their boss and accidentally stumble upon a stash of gold, things spiral into trouble.

As expected, Korean cinema doesn’t hold back when it comes to realism, emotion, and grit. Project Y dives into sex work, financial desperation, and childhood trauma with the kind of honesty that’s often missing in Western thrillers. The visuals are stunning, and there’s something about Korean cinematography that captures human complexity with both beauty and brutality, much like Squid Game or Parasite.

Where the film occasionally falters is in pacing, it hits waves of highs and lows, sometimes feeling flat between its explosive moments. Maybe it’s the hype from that intense trailer, but I expected a little more depth in certain parts. Still, Han So-Hee and Jeon Jong-Seo more than make up for it. Their chemistry is electric, balancing good-girl vulnerability with bad-girl chaos. These roles were made for them, and it’s exciting to see their power finally reach North American screens.

Watch the trailer for Project Y below

PLUS M has no official release date for Project Y as of now