By the Stream Review: Hong Sangsoo Shines in a More Story-Oriented Approach

      Note: This review was initially published as part of our coverage of the 2024 Locarno Film Festival. By the Stream is set to be released in theaters on August 8, 2025.

      The phrase "the death of the author is the birth of the reader," a key concept in post-structuralist theory, resonates here, particularly in light of Hong Sangsoo’s public statements. I often revisit a delightful video in which the South Korean director describes his creative process: he completes the script's dialogue on the same day it is filmed (a practice also found in major Hollywood productions) and then swiftly edits the footage. However, during a public Q&A at Locarno after the debut of his latest film, By the Stream, he shared an update; there is now a day-long gap between his writing and shooting. This additional time for composing and refining his new film, along with this year's other debut, A Traveler’s Needs, is clearly noticeable.

      So how does Spot the Difference fit in––which we might humorously consider as the task of reviewing Hong's premiere? Still, the unique qualities and virtues of By the Stream are indeed more striking. The film's duration nearly approaches two hours––a length more common in his pre-2010 works when he was shooting on film and utilizing larger production resources––and its human insights avoid superficial vignettes; true to its title, it offers a deep exploration of a specific brand of soulful, middle-class discontent, reminiscent of John Cassavetes’ more subdued films.

      While Hong’s repetitive style can lead to uncertainty, there is something comforting in seeing his two lead actors, Kim Minhee and Kwon Haehyo, occupy space together in a two-shot, their figures framed from the knee up. Kim plays Jeonim, a textiles artist and lecturer at a women’s college in Seoul, while Kwon portrays her uncle Sieon, an actor and director whose once-prominent career has been derailed by a scandal (described somewhat vaguely in the film) and who now runs a bookstore in Kangwon Province. Jeonim, who adores her uncle, has requested him to regain his confidence: he must create an informal skit for her Western Art class to perform at the end of the semester, following the departure of the previous director (portrayed by Ha Seongguk, who embodies youthful folly in recent Hong films) under disgrace. The reason for the previous director's dismissal is more evident: he had “dated” three members of the group, all of whom withdrew in solidarity.

      Sieon is introduced to this new setting during regular mealtime gatherings (with makgeolli in hand) alongside Jeong (Cho Yunhee), Jeonim’s department head, who happens to be an admirer of his past work. A lengthy restaurant scene featuring spicy eel absolutely draws you in; filled with vibrant colors thanks to the self-cinematography, the ensemble staging provides a clearer view of the silent actor’s reactions. As an audience member, you feel both present at this gathering and enjoy the way Hong subtly builds dramatic tension.

      With A Traveler’s Needs exploring a somewhat old-fashioned idea of the “feminine mystique,” it's also important to gently dissect this film’s views on gender dynamics. It’s tempting to examine various public figures and their positions on cultural conflicts––though this scenario, both online and offline, is complicated by various parties operating in bad faith. By the Stream acts as a comfortable haven for problematic men, for difficult men who have faced public backlash, yet it does not preach; amidst its comforting narrative, Hong provides a timely, direct challenge, making this a more thorough examination of the MeToo-related themes touched upon in his pandemic-era film, In Front of Your Face.

      There is much more to contemplate––regarding art, craftsmanship, philosophy, and the understated editing style––but I expect future academic studies and Taschen coffee table books will address those aspects. Unlike in 2017-18, continuous theatrical distribution has broadened Hong’s recognition beyond the festival circuit. Consistently outstanding films like By the Stream are the reason for this, and more of his work will be available next year.

      By the Stream made its debut at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival and is set to be released in the U.S. by Cinema Guild.