Get ready film fans, because master South Korean director Park Chan-wook is back with his latest movie, No Other Choice. Following his acclaimed 2022 film Decision to Leave and TV series The Sympathizer, this new feature looks to deliver all the intense style and gripping storytelling audiences expect from the mind behind classics like Oldboy and The Handmaiden. This movie has been on Park Chan-wook's mind for years, even described as a "lifetime project" he has wanted to create since 2009. It has already made big waves on the festival circuit and is now heading for North American theaters.
Unpacking the Shocking Premise of No Other Choice: A Desperate Man's Deadly Plan for Employment

At the core of No Other Choice is a story that feels both absurd and eerily real. The movie introduces us to Yoo Man-soo, played by Squid Game star Lee Byung-hun. Man-soo is a family man who has dedicated 25 years of his life as a health and safety officer at a paper mill in South Korea. His world crashes down when new American owners lay him off. After months of unemployment, facing mounting financial pressure, Man-soo decides he has "no other choice" but to take a drastic approach to job-seeking: he plans to kill his competition.
This premise quickly turns the movie into a thrilling race against time. Will Man-soo secure a job before his deadly actions catch up to him? The film explores the extreme lengths one man will go to provide for his family in a ruthless job market. It's a dark and often hilarious setup that explores morality and the human cost of survival.
A Deeper Look into the Movie's Origins and Its Sharp Thematic Exploration of Modern Life

No Other Choice is based on Donald Westlake's 1997 American novel, The Ax. Park Chan-wook saw "a lot of room to develop a bitter sort of comedy" from the book. He added a "new premise" where Man-soo "shares more than one similarity" with his victims. Park explained that it's "like he's facing a mirror," suggesting that Man-soo is "actually destroying himself" as he kills others. This layer adds a psychological aspect to the black comedy, making it more than just a simple thriller.
The film addresses themes like economic despair, corporate work culture, and unhealthy competition. It presents a world where the system forces individuals into desperate situations, pushing them to question how far they might go. This intense storytelling highlights the absurdity of modern life and the pressures individuals face in a financially challenging world. Much like Parasite, this movie uses its story to comment on class differences and societal pressures, but it leans harder into the bizarre nature of its narrative to make its points.
Stellar Cast Brings This Unique and Dark Story to Life on the Silver Screen

The movie features a talented cast led by Lee Byung-hun in the role of Yoo Man-soo. His portrayal of a man pushed to his limits has already garnered significant praise from critics. Joining him is beloved Korean actress Son Ye-jin, who plays Man-soo's level-headed wife, Mi-ri. Her character's offhand comment about other candidates being "struck by lightning" serves as a dark spark for Man-soo's desperate actions. The supporting cast includes Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, Cha Seung-won, and Yoo Yeon-seok, all contributing to the movie's rich character lineup. Their combined performances help create a believable yet heightened world for Man-soo's increasingly frantic actions.
Lee Byung-hun's history in globally recognized projects like Squid Game brings a level of recognition that helps connect this film to broader audiences. His ability to convey both vulnerability and extreme desperation makes his character's journey compelling. Son Ye-jin adds a grounding presence as the wife, whose practical concerns underscore the financial strain on the family. This combination of well-known and respected actors ensures a powerful delivery of Park Chan-wook's unique vision.
Critical Acclaim and Festival Buzz: Why Everyone is Talking About This Much-Anticipated Film

From its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in August 2025, No Other Choice immediately earned rave reviews. It continued to receive acclaim at the Busan International Film Festival, TIFF, and the New York Film Festival. It currently boasts a perfect 100% "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 55 reviews. Critics have singled out Lee Byung-hun's performance for particular praise, along with Park Chan-wook's sharp direction and unique storytelling. The camera work in particular has been noted for its unexpected angles and fast-paced editing, keeping the dark story constantly moving.
The film is being compared to Bong Joon-ho's multi-Oscar-winning Parasite, especially for its clever appraisal of class differences in contemporary Korea. While Parasite felt close to reality, No Other Choice "leans into its absurdity," moving with "big, loping swings." This comparison alone suggests a film that is both thought-provoking and wildly entertaining, offering a fresh take on social commentary. It asks audiences to sympathize with Man-soo's difficult situation, even if his chosen methods are extreme.
Award Season Momentum: An Oscar Contender That Audiences Should Watch Closely

South Korea has officially selected No Other Choice as its entry for Best International Feature at the 2026 Oscars, the 98th Academy Awards. This selection alone positions the movie as a major contender. Beyond the international category, the film has already collected some significant hardware, including the International People's Choice Award at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. It was also a finalist for Venice's prestigious Golden Lion award, further solidifying its status as a must-see movie this awards season.
According to Gold Derby's latest Oscar predictions, No Other Choice is already making waves in other categories. It ranks just outside the top 10 for Best Picture and is a strong possibility for nominations in Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Editing. Its best chance for a nomination might be in Best Adapted Screenplay, where it currently holds the fifth spot. This early buzz indicates that the film could easily shake up the awards race. With Neon distributing the film in North America, the same company that successfully pushed Parasite to multiple Oscar wins, the movie has a strong team behind it for awards consideration.
The screenplay, written by Park Chan-wook, Lee Kyoung-mi, Jahye Lee, and Don McKellar, has been praised for adapting Westlake's novel while adding depth to the character of Man-soo. The film's technical achievements, including cinematography by Kim Woo-hyung and editing by Kim Sang-bum, also contribute to its strong awards prospects. The combination of strong direction, powerful acting, and an original screenplay makes this film a contender that cannot be overlooked as the awards season progresses.
When and Where to Catch Park Chan-wook's Latest Masterpiece: Mark Your Calendars
North American audiences will soon have their chance to experience No Other Choice. Neon, the same distributor that brought Parasite to the U.S., is handling the North American release. The movie will open in select theaters on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, giving fans a festive dose of dark comedy. Following its limited release, a wider rollout is planned for January 2026. International distribution is being handled by MUBI.
With its gripping plot, celebrated director, and strong critical backing, No Other Choice is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about films of the year. Its 139-minute runtime promises a deep dive into Man-soo's desperate world. While it might see a modest turnout initially, the positive word-of-mouth and awards buzz could certainly turn it into a surprise success, much like Parasite. Don't miss the chance to see this unique black comedy thriller on the big screen.