Director Park Chan-wook's new film 'Inevitable' did not take a prize at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, even though early buzz had it as being a likely contender.
The movie, screened abroad under the Korean title Eotihad Hapjeong, opened during the festival on August 29 and attracted positive notice from the audience and reviewers. The highest accolade, the Golden Lion, instead went to Jim Jarmusch's Father, Mother, Sister, Brother.
This was Park's first time competing in Venice since 2005's Lady Vengeance. It was also the first Korean film in 13 years to contend for the Golden Lion, after Kim Ki-duk's Pieta won the prize in 2012.
Coverage of the festival reported the letdown. One report covered, "Although it was mentioned as a strong contender after its local screening, it ultimately fell short."
Read more: Son Ye-jin, Lee Byung-hun, and Park Chan-wook Bring Venice to Its Feet with 9-Minute Ovation
Star Lee Byung-hun, who took on the starring role, also departed the festival without an award. Critics had been praising his acting for its overhaul after his worldwide breakthrough in Netflix's Squid Game.
Domestic media focused on the reaction, saying, "He showcased a fresh acting transformation in this film, earning rave reviews from local media."
'Inevitable' is the story of Man-su (played by Lee), an employee of a company who once thought his life was perfect but got fired unexpectedly. While trying to seek new employment, he has the task of defending his family and his home.
CJ ENM, which produced the film, distributed marketing stills and stressed the tale's relevance to viewers living through uncertain times. The film opens in South Korea on September 24 domestically.
Despite the Venice competition closing without a victory, market observers note 'Inevitable' can still create ripples among awards season buzz based on Park's status as one of Korea's most globally known filmmakers.
In other news, Son Ye-jin and Lee Byung-hun shared cheerful photos together before leaving for the Venice International Film Festival, drawing attention from fans amid recent controversies.
Son faced online criticism after claims she snubbed a child actress on the set of her upcoming film Inevitable.
Lee Byung-hun's joking remark about the incident at a press conference fueled backlash, though the child actress's mother later clarified it was a misunderstanding.
Meanwhile, Son revealed her secondary Instagram account was mysteriously deleted, with her agency suspecting AI-based censorship.
Despite the turbulence, Son expressed pride in playing a mother for the first time since giving birth in 2022. Inevitable is set to premiere Sept. 24 at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.
