The protagonist of the film, Jina (Gong Seung-yeon), is always on her phone, even when she is talking to customers at work. She is a reclusive figure who isolates herself from the world, turning to screens for companionship. Her life revolves around her phone, TV, and computer. However, it becomes evident that Jina is not happy but is instead numb. Her mother has recently passed away, and she is estranged from her father. Despite this, a new hire (Jung Da-eun) at the call center where she works begins to disrupt Jina’s routine and push her out of her shell.
What makes the film stand out is the director Hong Sung-eun’s ability to maintain restraint and not turn it into a feel-good story about a woman being taught how to wake up to life. Healing is hard, and life is not that simple. This film is not only about grief but also a reflection on the monotony and ennui of modern life, how people can shut themselves off from everything and slowly dwindle into nothingness. However, even though it may seem mundane on the surface, Gong and Jung’s performances subtly express the pain and desperation going on inside. It is only when Jina sees the same pain in someone else that she can reach out and be saved.
In conclusion, ‘Aloners’ portrays a realistic picture of modern-day isolation that is easy to comprehend. The movie is not rated and comes in Korean with subtitles. It runs for 1 hour and 31 minutes, and it is available to rent or buy on most major platforms.
