IN-DEPTH REVIEW: Netflix's "Lost in Starlight" Is Outstanding & Here's Why!

Last Friday, May 30th, Netflix proudly unveiled their first-ever Korean animation film titled "Lost in Starlight", and I absolutely enjoyed every second of it. Before I get into my review, let's quickly get into the synopsis here.

Synopsis: This highly anticipated release transports viewers to a captivating futuristic world, set within Seoul, South Korea. The story centers around the lives of two distinct characters: Nan-young, an ambitious astro-botanist-in-training, and Jay, a former musician whose past is steeped in both triumph and regret. Their paths cross unexpectedly in a bustling part of the city, sparking a connection that neither of them anticipated. As they navigate a path for their budding relationship, they delve into the complexities of love, revealing the personal struggles and emotional baggage they each carry. However, the looming question remains: what will happen if circumstances force them to become worlds apart? Will their newfound love be resilient enough to withstand the challenges of separation and the uncertainties of the future?

There is so much thought that went into this film, with hidden messages and symbols looming behind every corner. So with that said, let's get into this film, and my first ever review on THE WRIGHT ANIME blog!

SPOILER ALERT: The following review will give extensive detail about the film itself. For those who have not watched the film yet, I urge you to watch it first!

The Symbolic Contrast Between Nan-young & Jay

Let me first mention that the film artfully presents a symbolic contrast between Nan-young and Jay, showcasing their differing backgrounds and aspirations. If it wasn't already obvious Nan-young embodies hope and ambition, driven by her dream of becoming an astronaut. Her character represents the pursuit of dreams and the determination to move past one's earthly nature despite any and all fears she may have. She illustrates a motivation for change in a otherworldly sense, showcased through her engagement in technological advances, as well as her goal to find signs of life outside of Earth. In addition, she is someone that is not afraid to do extraordinary things despite her discomfort, whether that means being broadcasted on television, or being one of the few people to explore Mars.

In contrast, Jay, the former musician, symbolizes nostalgia and the weight of past choices. The film did a great job inviting us on his journey, which is marked by a longing for the music that once defined him and the struggles that led him to abandon his passion. Jay represents the people that are fearful of change, which can be shown through his shame in not finishing his music, or his denial of Nan-young actually being accepted to go to Mars. However, it becomes clear that Jay also represents a grounded nature--someone that stays close to home and the things that make him feel comfortable. He appreciates vinyl records and writing things down in an era where such things lack relevance. While these two characters are different from one another, their differences in who they are perfectly align with the other. Through their interactions, the film also beautifully juxtaposes the themes of aspiration, comfortability, regret, and fear, ultimately exploring how these contrasting elements influence their relationship and personal growth.

The Complexities of Adult Love

As the narrative unfolds, "Lost in Starlight" delves into the complexities of adult love, portraying it as a multifaceted experience filled with both joy and heartache. Nan-young and Jay's relationship is not simply a fairy tale romance; it is fraught with the challenges of their individual pasts and the realities of their present lives. The film captures the essence of adult relationships, where love is intertwined with sacrifice, vulnerability, and the need for understanding. Their journey together reflects the trials that many couples face, including communication barriers, emotional scars, and the fear of losing one another. This exploration of love resonates deeply with viewers, as it highlights the universal struggle to balance personal ambitions with the desire for connection.

The Exploration of Nan-young's Father & Mother

Two key moments in the film occur when we delve deeper into the backgrounds of Nan-young's mother and father, both of whom significantly influence her character and motivations.

Nan-young's Father: Before we ever learn the details of the tragedy on her mother's mission, we are introduced to Nan-young's father, a scientist with a diminished grasp on reality who refuses to accept his wife's death from 25 years ago. Despite the years that have passed, he continues to hope that his wife is receiving the messages he sends to Mars via radio signal. Even though her father comes off as detached from the real world, he is kind and loving.

Ji-Young, Nan-young's Mother: Nan-young's mother, Ji-young, is a major influence in her life, profoundly shaping who Nan-young is today. As the film foreshadows events concerning her mother and presents flashbacks of Nan-young's childhood, we see a young Nan-young dressed as an astronaut. It becomes evident that her desire to be an astronaut stems from her upbringing. Despite hints about Ji-young's fate and the mental struggles Nan-young endures, it is only when Jay watches a video clip from Nan-young's mother that we fully comprehend the trauma experienced by the protagonist. In this clip, Ji-young playfully teases her young daughter about brushing her teeth and reminds her of simple tasks in an endearing manner until a red motion light and alarm signal danger to her mother's crew, which end up being tremors to the planet's surface. In those final moments, Ji-young desperately picks up the recording for her daughter, attempting to save her last words. Then, the crew's movements cease, and the video drops to the ground, with the red light still flashing in the background. This scene in the film is heart-wrenching.

Nan-young's Past vs Future

The dichotomy of Nan-young's past and future is a central theme in the film, as she navigates through a windy path that is filled with many obstacles. Her past is marked by moments of doubt and mental anguish as she still struggles with the loss of her mother, who went missing on a previous mission to Mars. While her future is filled with the potential of growing romance and the promise of new beginnings and discoveries, the loss of Nan-young's mother still affects her and pulls her back. The tension between these two aspects of her life drives much of the narrative, as she must confront her fears and insecurities to embrace the future she desires.

Towards the end of the film, Nan-young comes face to face with death as her oxygen levels deplete during her solo expedition apart from the other crew members, in search of life on Mars. Her attempt to cover the holes of her helmet with duck tape were only going to help her for so long, and therefore her need to find a shelter where she could breathe was extremely important. We come to learn that she is hours away from the shelter the other crew members are on, and she has only 10 minutes of oxygen remaining. At this point it seems her death is inevitable, but then a path to her mother appears in bright yellow. Finally a small Nan-young, the Nan-young of the past, appears and runs to her mother. This representation of her past that finally escaped her could be viewed as a way of her moving on.

However, as Nan-young lies on the ground, too exhausted to move, it was Jay's voice, from the radio system created by Nan-young's father, that finally pushed her to keep going. In the next scene, we see previous times of Nan-young running to Jay, illustrating her acceptance and desire for a future with the person she has come to love beyond words. As she reaches out to him, hearing his message to never give up, he holds her for a short period before disappearing. Yet, we finally see that a handle to something else appears instead. In a turn of events, this handle leads to the old previous shelter her mother's crew members were on, and Nan-young is able to aboard it.

Finally, as Nan-young returns to the floor in exhaustion, a figure walks up to her, taps on her helmet, and attempts to speak, but the words cannot be heard. It is Nan-young's mother. Nan-young finally removes the helmet to breathe in oxygen, and her mother tells her "I love you". Keep in mind that Nan-young's last impression of her mother ended being in a state of panic, despite the kind message her mother created for her prior to that. So, with these last few words, it can come off as a breath of fresh air for Nan-young, and way for her to get past her internal struggles created from the disappearance of her mother. Therefore, Nan-young's acceptance of her future over her past issues saved her.

Symbols Involved

Discovery of New Life on Mars

One of the most beautiful parts of this film was the announcement of Nan-young's discovery during her expedition on Mars. Thanks to her mother

The Unwavering Umbrella

Finally, one of the most poignant symbols in "Lost in Starlight" is the unwavering umbrella that serves as a metaphor for protection and support in times of adversity. This umbrella represents the shelter that Nan-young is provided...

Mental Health Explored

In addition to its romantic elements, "Lost in Starlight" thoughtfully addresses the theme of mental health, which aligns well with the month of May, as it is known as Mental Health Awareness Month. The film did a wonderful job at portraying the internal struggles that both Nan-young and Jay have faced in their lives, to include the loss of Nan-young's mother, who was presumed dead after her mission to Mars went awry. The film does not shy away from depicting the emotional turmoil and anxiety that can accompany the pursuit of one's dreams, as well as the weight of past traumas. Through poignant scenes and heartfelt dialogue, it sheds light on the importance of mental well-being and the need for support in overcoming personal challenges. This exploration serves as a reminder that love, while powerful, cannot always alleviate the burdens of mental health issues. The characters' journeys toward healing and self-acceptance resonate with audiences, emphasizing the significance of compassion and understanding in relationships.

Conclusion