Wow – this film blew me away when I saw it, at

the 2022 London Film Festival. A powerful, insightful and intelligent critique of South Korean work culture, which lifts the lid off the corporate pressure cooker of call centres - a haunting portrayal of systemic failure and individual despair, illustrating a world where oppressive forces render people powerless and voices are stifled. The film paints a sombre picture of a society where each institution - schools, education authorities, employment departments, employers, police, and families - appear to operate with impunity, creating a labyrinth of excuses that ultimately dismiss the gravity of an employees’ plight.

 

Sohee, a talented and ebullient student, is given an exploitative internship at a call centre. When the grim realities of the toxic workplace lead to tragic consequences, an investigation is launched to ascertain who, if anyone, is responsible. The detective, suspecting criminal negligence, probes the circumstances, only to find an unsettling truth.  A story in two parts: the first about Sohee and the second the investigation.

 

A poignant and socially conscious film that quietly builds emotional weight as it unfolds. It explores harsh realities faced by young people entering the workforce and the pressure and the neglect that can lead to devastating consequences. Visually, the film is restrained but purposeful and the performances - especially by Kim Si-eun as Sohee - are subtle yet full of impact. There's a lingering sadness throughout the film that stays with you.

 

Next Sohee does not offer any easy resolutions but it handles its themes with sensitivity and care. It's a powerful film and a shocking exposé that is not always easy to watch but certainly worth it.

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Peter Sheil