Filmmaker Lee Chang-dong, known for his work on 'Burning,' returns with "Possible Love," a nuanced exploration of love, longing, and the societal pressures faced by two couples across the class divide. The film opens with a somber scene as a family prepares to attend a funeral. Mi-ok, the wife and mother, grapples with the discomfort of her attire and the emotional weight of the occasion, while her husband, Ho-seok, is clearly burdened by unspoken dread.
Ho-seok is among many former employees who lost their jobs at a large corporation named SP. His inability to recover, both financially and emotionally, has taken a toll on the family. Mi-ok works a menial factory job to support them, but Ho-seok's persistent depression and excessive drinking strain their relationship.
In the funeral home parking lot, Mi-ok has a chance encounter with Sang-woo, a well-dressed stranger. The meeting occurs when Mi-ok's wedding ring slips off her finger and rolls beneath his expensive car. Sang-woo's wife, Ye-ji, is a filmmaker working on a documentary about the personal lives of laborers. She is captivated by Mi-ok and Ho-seok, particularly Ho-seok's melancholy, which she believes could be central to her project. A genuine friendship develops between Ye-ji and Mi-ok as the film delves into the intricate dynamics between the four main characters.
"Possible Love" also touches upon the ethical considerations inherent in the relationship between a filmmaker and their subjects, examining the moral quandaries that can arise in such collaborations. The film portrays a delicate drama set against a backdrop of anxious times, where personal desires and societal challenges intertwine.