A young boy races against time to reach home after growing worried about his mother’s depression in Heartbeat, the first short film by acclaimed director Lee Chang-dong. Set in the world of his upcoming film Possible Love, the short film will premiere globally on Netflix on November 2.
First attracting attention at its premiere during the 23rd Jeonju International Film Festival, Heartbeat was produced at the suggestion of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Beijing Contemporary Art Foundation (BCAF). The film explores depression through the perspective of its young protagonist, Cheol, played by Kim Geon-u.
Concerned about his mother’s condition, Cheol becomes increasingly anxious when she fails to answer his phone calls. Determined to get home as quickly as possible, he embarks on a frantic journey filled with unexpected obstacles. As viewers follow his continuous struggle to reach his mother, they experience the fear, helplessness, and deep affection behind a child’s concern for a loved one.
The film features Jeon Do-yeon as Cheol’s mother, while Sul Kyung-gu lends his voice to the character of his father.
Heartbeat explores emotions that resonate with many people, particularly the fear of losing someone dear and the responsibility of wanting to protect those we love. Its themes also connect with Possible Love, Lee Chang-dong’s latest film, reflecting the director’s distinct storytelling approach and sensitive exploration of issues such as depression and the struggles of everyday life.
To make the short film accessible to international audiences, Netflix will offer subtitles in several languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, French, and German.
Ahead of the release of Possible Love, Netflix has also made several of Lee Chang-dong’s acclaimed films available to audiences worldwide. These include Green Fish, Peppermint Candy, Oasis, Secret Sunshine, Poetry, and Burning.
With Heartbeat joining the lineup, longtime admirers and new viewers discovering the filmmaker through Possible Love can explore more of his distinctive cinematic work.
Heartbeat premieres globally on Netflix on November 2, four days ahead of Possible Love, which arrives on the streaming platform worldwide on November 6.
