Written and directed by Lee Jeong-Hong, Gi Hong is a carpenter who makes his living by taking on small interior work. He has become close to the young landlord and his wife and spends more time hanging out with them. Meanwhile, small but strange things happen to Gi Hong. Starring: Park Gi-hong, Ahn Ju-min, Jeon Gil and Choi Kyoung-jun.

It takes a strong filmmaker to create a story that can move at its own pace, have fairly little happen and still be captivating from start to finish and yet Jeong-Hong Lee manages to achieve that with his debut feature. A Wild Roomer creates this foundation of curiosity and a need for answers to fuel its humble and charming story. The writing is simple but flows very well, the story is only the slightest bit strange and yet surprisingly compelling.

The atmosphere Lee creates with A Wild Roomer is relaxed yet charged, there’s always something digging away in the background. Whether it’s newly found friendships, unusual connections or unexpected tension, there’s continually something to drive it forward, while the forefront of the story is just one man’s day to day life. It also doesn’t try to harp too much on the coincidences, they feel nicely natural, and the same could be said of Lee’s directorial style.

The visual is well structured, minimal but with a strong aesthetic, it does a great job of matching the energies of the story. Playing it earnest but peppering the background with a little bit of a tense or intriguing edge. The same could be said of the performances, everyone has a relatable, sympathetic feel but they also all have hidden layers and complexities which we gradually start to see the motivations of. Park Gi-hong gives us that lovable slacker feel which makes it so easy to just fold into the story.

A Wild Roomer is a self-assured and captivating debut from Lee Jeong-Hong. It’s filled with a humble charm, great performances and a story that slowly gets beneath your skin. It’s unassuming and natural, the flow of the story expertly holds your attention and its unusual coincidences and turns to its tale are surprisingly entertaining.

Verdict: ✯✯✯✯ | 8/10

Reviewed as part of London Korean Film Festival 2023