Neon has just dropped a brand-new, extended trailer for No Other Choice, the highly anticipated black comedy thriller from acclaimed Korean director Park Chan-wook.
Lee Byung-hun stars in Park Chan-wook's latest film, No Other Choice. What's New With Park Chan-wook's Latest Film OfferingThe new trailer for Park Chan-wook's No Other Choice gives us a deeper look into the film's dark, satirical world. This latest preview arrived late Thursday, delivering the signature anticipation, dread, and virtuosic style fans expect from the director of Oldboy and The Handmaiden.
The film premiered to considerable acclaim at the Venice International Film Festival in August 2025, according to sources, and opened the Busan International Film Festival in September 2025. It currently boasts a 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a strong indicator of its critical reception. The buzz for No Other Choice has been building steadily since its festival run.
Get ready for Park Chan-wook's No Other Choice, a dark comedy thriller with Squid Game's Lee Byung-hun. Discover the film's plot, cast, awards buzz, and US release details from NEON.
Deep Dive Into the Intriguing Plot and Talented Cast
No Other Choice is based on Donald E. Westlake's 1997 novel, The Ax. The story centers on You Man-soo, played by the internationally recognized Lee Byung-hun, known for his work in Squid Game. Man-soo is abruptly laid off from his longtime job at a paper company, a place where he dedicated many years of tireless work.
As Man-soo grows increasingly desperate in his hunt for new employment, he makes a drastic, life-altering decision. The trailer hints at this pivotal turn, showing Man-soo assembling a 3-D-printed handgun and proclaiming, "To put food in my family's mouths, there's nothing I won't do." This leads to the film's title phrase, "No other choice," highlighting his desperate plight.
The ensemble cast features a lineup of celebrated Korean talent. Son Ye-jin of Crash Landing on You plays Man-soo's level-headed wife, Mi-ri, who observes the family's tightening finances. Other notable actors include Park Hee-soon, also from Squid Game, Lee Sung-min of The Spy Gone North, Yeom Hye-ran from The Glory, Cha Seung-won of Night in Paradise, and Yoo Yeon-seok from When the Phone Rings.
Park Chan-wook co-wrote the script alongside Lee Kyoung-mi, Jahye Lee, and Don McKellar. The director noted at the TIFF Studio that he found "a lot of room to develop a bitter sort of comedy" from the original novel. He added a new premise where Man-soo shares similarities with his victims, suggesting that "while he's killing other people, he's actually destroying himself." This twist adds a layer of psychological complexity to the black comedy thriller.
A look at the stellar cast bringing Park Chan-wook's dark vision to life.
Dive into the world of Park Chan-wook's latest film, No Other Choice, a dark comedy thriller starring Lee Byung-hun. Learn about its plot, critical acclaim, and Oscar buzz as it prepares for its North American release.
Understanding Why Fans and Critics Are Eagerly Anticipating This Film
Park Chan-wook is a master of suspense and visually inventive storytelling, renowned for his distinct cinematic style. Fans worldwide recognize his ability to blend psychological depth with visceral thrills, a characteristic that permeates his filmography, from the vengeance saga Oldboy to the intricate romance of Decision to Leave.
No Other Choice is already drawing comparisons to Bong Joon-ho's Oscar-winning film Parasite, particularly for its sharp appraisal of class differences and economic desperation in contemporary Korea. Critics suggest that while Parasite offered a delicate insight into human nature, Park Chan-wook's latest leans into absurdity, using dark humor to highlight Man-soo's extreme situation.
Meagan Navarro, in her review out of TIFF, described the film as "a disarming and almost whimsical experience that wallops you hard with a sucker punch when you least expect it." Christopher Schobert's review emphasized the film's focus on feelings of being "cheated by employers, competitors, and artificial intelligence," and what it truly takes to fight back.
The film's exploration of modern anxieties, such as job loss, financial precarity, and the extreme lengths people will go to protect their families, resonates deeply with global audiences. Lee Byung-hun's portrayal of Man-soo is highlighted for his grim understanding of being out of options, making audiences root for him despite his questionable actions. The movie's blend of dark comedy, social satire, and intense thriller elements promises a uniquely Park Chan-wook experience.
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Examining the Film's Impressive Festival Run and Awards Momentum
Beyond its Venice premiere, No Other Choice has made a significant impact on the festival circuit. It played at the Toronto International Film Festival, Beyond Fest, and has upcoming screenings at the New York Film Festival, Sitges Film Festival, and BFI London Film Festival, among others. Its strong presence at these prestigious events solidifies its status as a major international title.
The film has been officially selected as the South Korean entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. This selection immediately positions No Other Choice as a serious Oscar contender, following in the footsteps of previous Korean successes like Parasite.
Distributor Neon, known for its successful Oscar campaigns, including for Parasite, is handling the film's release in North America and is expected to mount a significant awards push. Gold Derby's latest Oscar odds place No Other Choice just outside the top 10 for Best Picture, but it is also considered a strong contender for Best Director, Best Actor for Lee Byung-hun, and Best Editing nominations. The film's best chance may lie in Best Adapted Screenplay, where it currently ranks fifth.
This long-gestating project, described as a "lifetime project" by Park Chan-wook, has been years in the making, with the director wanting to tell this story as early as 2009. The overwhelming positive reception and critical acclaim validate his enduring vision for this narrative.
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What Happens Next For 'No Other Choice' and Its Theatrical Rollout
No Other Choice is slated for a limited theatrical release in North America on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025. Following its initial limited run, the film will expand to a wider release in January 2026, giving more audiences the opportunity to experience Park Chan-wook's latest cinematic offering on the big screen.
MUBI has acquired the international distribution rights for the film, ensuring its reach beyond North America. Given its critical success and awards buzz, theatergoers and critics alike are expected to embrace this unique, dark comedy thriller.
Release Timeline for No Other Choice
| Event | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Venice International Film Festival Premiere | August 2025 | Received critical acclaim. |
| Busan International Film Festival Opening | September 2025 | Screened as the opening film. |
| North American Limited Theatrical Release | December 25, 2025 | Distributed by Neon. |
| North American Wide Theatrical Release | January 2026 | Broader availability across theaters. |
| South Korean Oscar Submission | October 2025 | Official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. |
Park Chan-wook's No Other Choice is shaping up to be a cinematic event, combining a gripping narrative with his signature directorial flair. With strong performances and a timely theme, this film is poised to be a memorable entry in both Korean cinema and the global awards circuit.