Lost in Starlight (2025) : A Cosmic Love Story That Shines

Lost in Starlight, Netflix’s first Korean-language animated feature, is a hauntingly beautiful sci-fi romance that takes viewers on an emotional voyage across time, space, and the human heart. Directed by Han Ji-won and co-written with Kang Hyun-joo, the film is set in the year 2050 and introduces us to Nan-young (voiced by Kim Tae-ri), a determined young astronaut haunted by her mother’s mysterious disappearance during a mission to Mars. As she prepares to take on a similar mission herself, she meets Jay (voiced by Hong Kyung), a reclusive street musician who views the stars more as memories than destinations. What begins as a chance meeting slowly evolves into a deeply emotional connection—one tested by time, ambition, and destiny.

The animation, rendered by Studio Mir, is nothing short of breathtaking. From its vivid depictions of a futuristic Seoul to the quiet intimacy of starlit rooftops, every frame is visually rich and poetically composed. The film blends hand-drawn and CGI animation with great care, creating a dreamy, immersive world. The cinematography—dreamlike yet emotionally charged—often captures the stillness between moments, allowing the audience to linger with the characters in their silences and glances. The sci-fi elements are cleverly subdued, serving the characters and their emotional arcs rather than overwhelming them with exposition or spectacle.

On the musical front, Lost in Starlight is a triumph. Jay’s compositions—woven throughout the film—act as both score and soul, with delicate piano motifs and ambient textures that mirror the couple’s emotional highs and lows. The sound design, too, is subtle but effective, with the vacuum of space contrasted against the busy noise of Earth-bound life. These sonic choices amplify the feeling of isolation and longing that permeates the narrative.

The performances, particularly by Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung, are grounded and heartfelt. Their chemistry feels honest, and their emotional restraint adds to the film’s quiet power. Miereanu also lends their voice to a key supporting role, adding depth and warmth to a story already rich in emotional textures. While some critics argue that the plot leans into melodrama and familiar romantic tropes, others see its predictability as intentional—a comfort rather than a flaw. The story isn’t groundbreaking, but it resonates, especially with viewers who appreciate introspective narratives such as Your Name or 5 Centimeters per Second.

Though the film’s sci-fi concepts aren’t its strongest suit, its emotional honesty more than makes up for any narrative thinness. It doesn’t seek to thrill with futuristic spectacle but rather to comfort and connect—like a love letter written from the stars. Lost in Starlight is not just a film; it’s a feeling—a longing glance, a melody remembered, a dream that lingers after waking.

In the end, Lost in Starlight is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the unspoken bonds that tether us across the cosmos. A touching and visually stunning film that stands as a milestone for Korean animation, it is a must-watch for fans of emotionally rich, aesthetically powerful cinema.

Directed by: Han Ji-won
Produced by: Climax Studios
Distributed by: Netflix Animation Korea
Written by: Han Ji-won, Kang Hyun-joo
Genre: Romantic Sci-Fi Animation, Drama
Based on: An original concept
Production Company: Studio Mir, Netflix
Cinematography: Virtual cinematography by Studio Mir Creative Team
Voice Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Hong Kyung, Miereanu
Running Time: Approximately 96 Minutes
Release Date: May 30, 2025