What Does That Nature Say to You

What Does That Nature Say to You continues Hong Sangsoo’s tradition of examining human interactions with his signature blend of awkwardness, melancholy and wry humour. Yet, unlike his previous films, which often depict the artist figure as tormented, this particular artist – Donghwa (Ha Seongguk), a struggling poet – feels less tortured and more simply out of place. Told in eight untitled chapters, the film offers a contemplative, almost voyeuristic glimpse into an impromptu meeting between Donghwa and the family of his long-term girlfriend, Junhee (Kang Soyi), subtly dissecting themes of privilege, artistic authenticity and personal insecurity.

From the outset, Hong wordlessly establishes a tone of quiet discomfort. As Donghwa drives Junhee to her parent’s house, an undercurrent of unease lingers in their interactions, and a hesitation in Junhee’s voice hints at her uncertainty about the meeting. What could have been a simple family introduction instead becomes a deeply revealing examination of social and class dynamics, heightened by Hong’s keen observational style.

Hong’s use of low-resolution video and soft focus mirrors Donghwa’s blurred perception of his own role in Junhee’s life and his discomfort in her privileged world. Every static shot and slow zoom reinforces a sense of detachment, allowing viewers to absorb the unspoken tensions that permeate each interaction. The camera lingers on faces and spaces with a gaze that is both intimate and removed, creating an effect that oscillates between voyeurism and naturalism.

What stands out thematically is Hong’s treatment of class and artistic struggle. Donghwa, despite his poetic aspirations and appreciation for the sublime, fails to articulate anything truly profound about Junhee when asked. His insistence on financial independence is subtly scrutinised and condescended to by her family – until intoxication, a long-standing staple in Hong’s films, loosens inhibitions.

Yet, unlike the overt cruelty that often characterises Hong’s portrayal of artistic figures, What Does That Nature Say to You is more melancholic than brutal. The film’s observational style allows these moments of discomfort to unfold organically, never forcing the drama but allowing it to simmer. As always, Hong leaves us with an open-ended conclusion, but the writing is already on the wall – some relationships are destined to fall apart, no matter how poetic they may seem.

Christina Yang

What Does That Nature Say to You does not have a release date yet.

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