DIRECTED BY HONG SANG-SOO/FRENCH, KOREAN/2024
François Truffaut once said that all storytelling can be broken down into two stories: your protagonist goes to a strange environment, or a stranger comes to your protagonist’s environment. Hong Sang-soo’s newest film, A Traveler’s Needs, seems to combine both elements.
Iris, played by Isabelle Huppert, one of cinema’s greatest actors of all time, is our protagonist, yet she seems to put the “strange” in “stranger.” She is a French teacher, but also possibly an alcoholic, and has an almost parasitic relationship with those around her, all of whom show some degree of discomfort.
Sang-soo is the master of minimalism, where small details take precedence over melodrama or heavy expositional explanations. So most of this is simply felt through the amazing performances and the hints of how they feel. Despite being our lead, she is also a mystery. The other characters have no idea where she came from (besides the country of France) and why she is possibly here. The Korean she is closest to has a mother who has a breakdown at the idea of them possibly being lovers, even though she simply just senses it, which is combined with her sense of Iris.
The beautiful scenery adds such an interesting juxtaposition to the mystery. Sang-soo’s use of lush, vivid backdrops not only enhances the visual allure but also heightens the enigmatic aura surrounding Iris. The city park in full summer leaf and the tennis court-like roof terrace become stages where Iris’s vibrant yet dissonant presence further amplifies her elusive nature. All of this is so interestingly poetically awkward, creating a film that feels both intimate and alienating.
By casting such a wonderful and enigmatic actor as a French teacher, especially when her most famous role is as a bad teacher, Sang-soo throws so many wrenches into the narrative. These breadcrumbs of ideas create a rich tapestry of speculation, leaving viewers to ponder the true nature of Iris and her impact on those around her. A Traveler’s Needs is a masterful exploration of human connections, drenched in mystery and subtlety, showcasing Hong Sang-soo’s unparalleled ability to craft profound stories from the simplest of details.
