Microhabitat

Microhabitat, released in 2017 and directed by Go-Woon Jeon, is a South Korean indie drama that explores present-day societal structures and economic constraints through the lens of a young woman's personal journey. Starring Esom, with supporting performances from Jae-hong Ahn and Jae-Hyun Choi, this film skilfully weaves together ingredients of societal critique with a love story that encapsulates the struggles and triumphs of modern living.

The protagonist of the movie is Mi-so, portrayed by Esom, who has two simple yet non-negotiable pleasures in life - whisky and cigarettes. She embodies a straightforward philosophy of life: rather than spending money on rent or food, she prefers investing in her small-world comforts. To afford this, she works as a home cleaner, modestly earning enough for her essentials. However, the turning point arrives when the inflating costs of cigarettes and whisky force her to put her principles to the test.

When the price of her favourite brands skyrockets, she makes a significant decision — to give up her rented home and ramble, seeking refuge in the homes of her old friends and past boyfriends. Through her visits and stays, the film uncovers a unique tale following Mi-so's unconventional life choices and her quest for happiness. Her journey allows viewers to critically delve into the complexities that economic pressure confronts and questions whether it's worth sacrificing personal happiness for societal acceptance.

Esom delivers a powerful performance in the movie. Her portrayal of the free-spirited Mi-so is heartbreakingly good and will let you see the defiant persistence of the human spirit. This film gives Esom an arena to flaunt her full range and depth as an actress, capturing the audience with her raw interpretation of a character fighting rigid societal norms and standards.

On the other hand, actors Jae-hong Ahn and Jae-Hyun Choi deliver commendable performances. They portray characters grappling with their life choices and provide different perspectives that contrast real-life situations with Mi-so's anti-mainstream ethos. Through this particular narrative style, the movie provides a more profound exploration of societal structures' intricacies and rigidities.

Apart from the stellar performances, another stand-out aspect of Microhabitat is its keen sense of aesthetics. Director Go-Woon Jeon, who also wrote the script, has crafted the overall look of the film beautifully. The environments and scenery are meticulously chosen to mirror the protagonist's struggle and complement her journey. Likewise, the director's ability to absorb the audience in Mi-so's narrative by subtly portraying the harshness of survival in modern society amplifies the movie's impact.

The screenplay infuses a sense of quiet melancholy, intertwined with sparks of joy and humor. However, the film steers clear of over-dramatization and resorts to capturing human emotions in their rawest forms. It plays on the subtlety of situations through visual storytelling rather than elaborate dialogues, pushing the viewers to feel rather than just watch.

The movie's soundtrack is also worth mentioning. It is beautifully curated and contributes significantly to setting the mood of the film and enhancing the narratives' emotions. The eloquent choice of music and its integration into the storyline accentuates the portrayed feelings, be it lighthearted moments or deep-rooted melancholy.

Microhabitat is not just a film - it's a profound social commentary. The storyline, peppered with instances of struggle and ecstasy, masterfully draws the viewers into the lives of socially marginalized characters. It strikes a deep chord with viewers as they can resonate with the pressures of societal expectations juxtaposed with individualistic desires for simple happiness.

In essence, Microhabitat presents an unsympathetic world through the lens of a relatable character, striking a balance between heart-wrenching reality and an empathetic depiction of human resilience. It is an emotional journey that enthralls even the most hardened cinephile and stays with the viewer long after the credits roll. Whatever your tastes might be in films, Microhabitat is definitely worth the watch and a testament to the brilliance of Korean indie cinema.