TIFF 2026 Review: Possible Love

A Powerful Korean Drama About Love, Class and Hidden Desires

Going into Possible Love, I had pretty high expectations. There was so much buzz surrounding the film, with people comparing it to Parasite, and after its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, I was really curious to see what all the excitement was about. As someone who loves Korean cinema, this was definitely one of the films I was looking forward to watching at TIFF 2026.

Directed by Lee Chang-dong, Possible Love follows two married couples from very different economic backgrounds whose lives become intertwined when a documentary filmmaker begins exploring the aftermath of a labour dispute. As their relationships develop, we slowly begin to uncover their personal struggles, hidden desires, and the differences between the worlds they come from.

What I really appreciated about this film was its exploration of economic inequality and how social class can influence relationships. On the surface, you might think someone has the perfect life or marriage, but as the story unfolds, you begin to realize there’s so much more happening behind closed doors. I thought that was one of the most interesting aspects of the film, especially seeing how these two couples navigate their relationships while coming from completely different backgrounds.

The performances were also incredible, particularly Sul Kyung-gu, who plays Ho-seok, a former factory worker struggling with the aftermath of losing his job. There’s so much pain his character carries, and you can really feel it through his performance. Even in moments when he isn’t saying much, you can sense everything he’s holding inside. I also thought the film did a great job developing its characters. Rather than rushing through the story, it takes its time allowing us to understand their experiences, emotions, and motivations.

However, I will say that Possible Love was a little slower than I personally prefer. At nearly three hours long, there were moments when I found myself waiting for something bigger to happen, some kind of major turning point that would bring everything together.

But that moment never quite came in the way I expected. And maybe that’s the point. Not every film needs a dramatic twist or a huge payoff. Sometimes the story is simply about understanding people, their relationships, and the circumstances that shape their lives. While the slower pacing wasn’t necessarily my favourite, I can absolutely appreciate the storytelling and the performances that went into making this film.

Overall, I thought Possible Love was beautifully acted and thoughtfully made. It’s a film that explores love, inequality, and the complicated desires people carry, even when their lives appear perfectly fine from the outside.

It might not be the type of film I would normally gravitate toward, but I can definitely understand why it’s receiving so much recognition.

Watch the trailer for Possible Love below

Possible Love is coming November 6 on Netflix