Netflix announced that it will make director Lee Chang-dong’s first short film, “Heartbeat,” available worldwide on Nov. 2. The film premiered at the 23rd Jeonju International Film Festival, and Netflix said it drew significant attention there.
The release comes four days before Lee’s film “Possible Love” arrives on Netflix. According to the company, “Possible Love” will stream worldwide on Nov. 6.
Netflix said “Heartbeat” was produced at the suggestion of the World Health Organization and the Beijing Contemporary Art Foundation. The film explores the theme of depression. It is set in the world of “Possible Love,” according to Netflix.
The story follows a boy named Cheol, who knows his mother suffers from depression. When she does not answer her phone, he grows anxious and rushes home. Netflix said the film keeps its focus on the boy’s face from beginning to end, and that he faces obstacles on his journey home.
Kim Geon-u plays Cheol, and Jeon Do-yeon plays his mother. Sul Kyung-gu provides the voice of Cheol’s father.
Netflix said the short film shares thematic ground with “Possible Love,” which it described as Lee’s latest film. The company said the short reflects the director’s perspective on labor and depression.
Netflix said it is offering subtitles in multiple languages for “Heartbeat,” including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, French and German.
The company also said that, ahead of “Possible Love,” it has made several of Lee’s earlier films available to stream. They are “Green Fish,” “Peppermint Candy,” “Oasis,” “Secret Sunshine,” “Poetry” and “Burning.” Netflix said adding “Heartbeat” gives both longtime fans and new viewers a chance to explore his work.
The announcement did not say how long “Heartbeat” runs.