Lost in Starlight is Netflix’s first Korean animated feature film, set in a visually captivating depiction of the year 2050. The sci-fi romance holds a breath of fresh air, being equal parts moving and grounded.

Nan-young (Kim Tae-ri) is an astronaut following in her mother’s footsteps to be sent on NASA’s fourth expedition to Mars. The path set out for her is rocky but she is determined to make the team, even with the losses she tries to suppress. When her spot in the team is put under further deliberation, she takes a break from work at NASA to visit Korea.

Broken devices

The future is neon-bright yet cozy in 2050 Seoul, with robotic companions, holographic video calls, and the like. Still, remnants of the past are found in Nan-young’s apartment. A small accident breaks the record player she received from her mom. And so, she searches for someone to repair it. After being turned away by shops several times, she crosses paths with former artist Jay (Hong Kyung), who recognizes the exact model of the record player and offers to fix it for her. 

The shop Jay works at is tucked in a corner, weathered by the passing time, but the music that plays is undying. Surrounded by old speakers, records, and the sunset on a rooftop, the unfamiliarity isn’t unwelcome to Nan-young. 

The pair are opposites when they first met, one chasing a dream and the other waiting for his to return. Even so, there is much comfort that Jay provides Nan-young when he offers himself as someone she can confide in. Despite the clumsiness of their interactions, they are very clearly charmed by and supportive of each other. The film is optimistic about modern romance in a way that does not feel so impossible. People will always have vulnerable moments. So trauma, loss, and regret don’t go unacknowledged, but become channels through which people realize they are not alone.

Braving the inevitable

Because Nan-young is incredibly set in her career, she restrains herself from gravitating towards Jay. This was contrasted by Jay’s certainty of liking Nan-young, but also his reluctance to return to making music. In spite of the worries both of them had, their friendship transitioned into love in a scenic montage. Many say that love is all about timing, and to some extent, it might be true. But Jay and Nan-young’s relationship is proof that a couple can tough it out, even when the timing isn’t ideal.

Nan-young and Jay both had issues they would rather ignore, yet they soon dared to face them head-on, whether it was on Mars or on Earth. It was refreshing to see that unlike many romances that go awry from misunderstanding, the characters showed the maturity to confront their fears without turning on each other.

The push and pull in the dilemma between career and love is intense, especially in Nan-young's case. Yet, it's a pleasant surprise that the film didn't favor one over the other. In fact, it pushes the likeliness of love becoming someone’s motivation to move forward and improve as a person.  

Closing the distance

Lost in Starlight’s fast-paced world mirrors reality’s rapidly advancing technology. But the film was also able to execute the timelessness of love. There is hope to be found in Nan-young and Jay’s relationship, which shows how love is and will continue to be a central motivation for human connection. In the vast universe where humans are considered tiny specks of dust, people give each other the will to live and grow.

By the end of the film, Nan-young understands that she found something in Jay that Mars and space wouldn’t have—a home. Home may be what humans make of those they love so deeply. Distance does make the heart grow fonder, and also more aware of what it yearns for.

The film is a standout for animation in 2025, and a giant leap for the Korean 2D animation scene in particular.

Explore the universe through Lost in Starlight, now streaming on Netflix.