A Leave

About This Movie

A Leave (2021) drips with a somber realism that pulls you in. It’s about Jae-bok, a middle-aged man beaten down by life, just lost a lawsuit and returns home to an empty shell of a family. The atmosphere is heavy, almost suffocating, reflecting his internal struggle with feelings of worthlessness and neglect. The pacing is deliberately slow, allowing you to soak in the weight of his isolation. Performances are raw; you can feel Jae-bok’s despair, and it’s almost uncomfortable at times, but that's the point. It’s not flashy or filled with grand gestures—rather, it’s a deep dive into familial estrangement. The practical effects are minimal, but the emotional impact is what makes it stick with you.

Introspection and deep character study · Explores themes of family neglect · Subtle yet impactful performances